The Private Sector Federation (PSF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with 14 sectors of Huye District in the Southern Province aimed at speeding up local development.

The one-year renewable agreement, signed on Monday between the sector executive secretaries and PSF representatives, will see the entities work hand-in-hand to fast track development of the district. Under the agreement, the private sector is set to develop at least one 'model' project in each of the sectors of Huye District.

the move is aimed at encouraging private business operators to play a key role in local development, facilitate the flow of information between grassroots leaders and the private sector, create jobs and encourage advocacy for business persons, among others, according to officials.

The MoU is also set to ease advocacy efforts for local business operators since PSF will have an office at sector level.

Christophe Karorero, the PSF chairman in Huye District, told The New Times that the agreement will forge a long-term partnership between the private sector and local leadership in the district.

Active involvement:

"We want private businesses to be actively involved in all development activities and this agreement will help us achieve that goal," Karorero said.

"From the elaboration and implementation of performance contracts (Imihigo) to the development of infrastructure, we want our presence to be felt."

Among the key infrastructure projects to be developed under the agreement include modern markets, agro-processing factories and modern business buildings.

Arsene Kabarisa, the executive secretary of Ngoma Sector, said: "The population will benefit from the agreement as new jobs are likely to be created. Infrastructure development will also be speed up."