The Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA) successfully conducted a two-day workshop from December 30^th to 31^st in Kigali, bringing together Data Management Specialists (based at district level) to address challenges in data accuracy and integrity and to enhance service delivery.

The workshop focused on identifying and resolving data-related issues such as payroll duplication and status inconsistencies, which can impact the effective implementation of programs aimed at improving the lives of citizens. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions and practical sessions to develop strategies for data quality improvement.

Speaking at the closing of the workshop, the Director General of LODA, Mrs. Nyinawagaga Claudine Marie Solange, emphasized the critical role of data in decision-making and service delivery. “We must identify and resolve issues in our data before they appear in reports,” the DG stated. “It is better to be aware of the issues that we have in our data, rather than waiting for auditors to point out the errors. As Data Management Specialists, this is your responsibility, and I commend your commitment to tackling these challenges”.

The Director General also reminded participants of the importance of prioritizing the needs of citizens (Umuturage ku Isonga). She urged the specialists and the entire LODA staff to strive for excellence in service delivery and avoid working under supervision. “Let us improve our service delivery by working with dedication and integrity. Avoid working under supervision (gukorera ku jisho) and focus on doing a perfect job from start to end. Let 2025 be a year of excellence and impactful work,” she added on.

The workshop also provided an opportunity to highlight recurring data issues such as duplication in payrolls, whereby households may appear multiple times with the same codes, and confusion caused by inconsistent payroll statuses. Addressing these issues is vital to ensuring the accuracy of LODA's data systems and the effective allocation of resources.

One participant at the workshop expressed optimism about the progress made during the sessions: “The workshop gave us practical insights into how we can enhance data integrity. We now have clear action points to ensure our payroll systems are efficient and reliable, and I am confident that we will see significant improvements”, he said.

LODA remains committed to strengthening its data management processes as part of its broader mission to improve service delivery and foster sustainable development. The agency looks forward to implementing the recommendations from the workshop and achieving even greater milestones in 2025.