NYARUGENGE - The Kigali Division Commander, Major General Fred Ibingira, yesterday rapped local authorities over corruption saying it is the leading cause of substandard settlements in the city. Gen. Ibingira told a meeting in Nyarugenge District which attracted all local authorities and security organs operating in Kigali city that any discomfort caused by local authorities to residents has an impact on the image of the nation. During the meeting, it was revealed that Police has so far arrested eight people including local authorities and two police officers at rank of Sergeant over alleged corruption cases.
NYARUGENGE - The Kigali Division Commander, Major General Fred Ibingira, yesterday rapped local authorities over corruption saying it is the leading cause of substandard settlements in the city.
Gen. Ibingira told a meeting in Nyarugenge District which attracted all local authorities and security organs operating in Kigali city that any discomfort caused by local authorities to residents has an impact on the image of the nation.
During the meeting, it was revealed that Police has so far arrested eight people including local authorities and two police officers at rank of Sergeant over alleged corruption cases.
It was also revealed that between December 25, 2008 and January 1, 2009, 12 houses were built without heeding the city plan in Kimironko and Kacyiru sectors while two were built without any authorisation in Remera.
"How do you take money from the residents promising to cover them when they build contrary to Kigali city principles and master plan and yet you continue to convince them that you’re a leader representing them?” Gen. Ibingira questioned those present.
Thirty-five out of 233 houses in Gatenga sector will be demolished by Kicukiro authorities. The reason behind the impending demolitions is that the residents apparently did not comply with the Kigali City Master Plan.
"The interesting thing is that these houses were constructed between August last year and January this year. This means that these people targeted elections and the festive season,” Dr. Aisa Kirabo, the Kigali City Mayor told the reporters.
According to Paul Jules Ndamage, Kicukiro district Mayor, all houses in his district that were built contrary to the law will be demolished within one month.
Kirabo on the other hand pledged to demolish all substandard houses built contrary to the law governing the settlement of Kigali city.
"The failure of African countries’ leadership is corruption. That is why you local leaders disappear when we come to demolish these houses and later you tell the affected that it was done by the authorities above,” George Rumanzi, the Kigali Police Commander, said.
According to the meeting, only two sectors out of 35 have not been affected by corrupt tendencies.
Ends