The High Court, on Monday, April 29, ruled that some families which were earlier relocated from Kangondo and Kibiraro villages in Gasabo District are entitled to financial compensation as outlined in their prior agreements with the City of Kigali.

In late 2022, the city administration relocated residents from the two villages and resettled some of them in a model village constructed in Busanza Sector, in Kicukiro District.

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As explained by city officials, the relocation was not only worthwhile in terms of the land’s value but also a necessary move for the safety of the residents since they were living in high-risk conditions. However, some residents objected to the relocation, citing agreements they had signed earlier with the city which entailed monetary compensation for their properties.

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Having failed to settle the conflict with the city, the residents took legal action, filing their cases to lower courts but they lost the case at first instance. Consequently, they appealed to the High Court.

In defence of the City of Kigali, the lawyers representing its administration argued that the affected residents do not have to be compensated and should accept to be resettled in better housing provided for them, just like their counterparts.

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In its ruling, the High Court ordered compensation for the aggrieved residents, affirming that the relocation project initially offered a choice between improved housing or monetary compensation.

The judges instructed that the people who opted for monetary compensation must receive it, while those who signed for apartments will receive apartments as agreed.

The court clarified that residents who initially opted for apartments but later changed their mind and asked for money should abide by their original decision. Additionally, residents who did not sign agreements with the city will also receive monetary compensation.

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The court specified that compensation should reflect the 2017 land value, since that was the time when the relocation project commenced.

In addition to property compensation, residents will receive an extra five percent of their property’s value for delays in compensation and five percent more for the inconvenience endured during the process.