Expropriation, the mandatory acquisition of land for public use, has played a crucial role in Kigali's swift development but has also caused considerable hardships, such as disruptions to livelihoods and loss of assets.
This issue was highlighted during a knowledge exchange dialogue on "Expropriation and Climate Change," organized by the Institute of Research and Dialogue for Peace (IRDP) in partnership with the University of York, UK, on May 29.
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A recent study by Transparency International Rwanda (TI-Rwanda) revealed that 60 percent of citizens lack access to crucial information regarding expropriation. Sylvestre Nzahabwanayo, the Executive Director of IRDP, stressed the importance of timely advocacy and fair compensation, emphasizing the need for proper information dissemination and channels for citizens to voice their concerns.
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"In Kigali, advocacy usually precedes expropriation, but there are issues to address, like timely advocacy and compensation concerns. Some may not realize they can contest the evaluation for fair compensation,” he said.
"People need to receive accurate information promptly. They should also have the chance to express their feelings about compensation because many cannot afford to file complaints, which can be costly to some.”
Nzahabwanayo noted that progress is being made in Rwanda, with some people being relocated from high-risk areas to better places, such as the Karama model village.
Errors are not uncommon
However, he cautioned that providing money instead of new homes can sometimes lead to the creation of slums. "When relocating people, it's important to consider climate change and ensure they are moved to safer areas," Nzahabwanayo added.
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Arthur Muhire, an officer in charge of stormwater maintenance in the City of Kigali, emphasized the city's dedication to improving living conditions and tackling climate change through various infrastructure projects.
"The City of Kigali has numerous projects requiring expropriation. Most of these areas are undergoing road construction, swamp renovation, and drainage system development. These projects aim to enhance living conditions while focusing on climate change to foster sustainable livelihoods."
Muhire highlighted the importance of advocacy and ensuring that citizens are well-informed about compensation procedures.
"The law mandates that advocacy is conducted before any relocation, and this is consistently followed. Although it may not reach everyone at the same time, advocacy and compensation details must be communicated to citizens before any project approval in the City of Kigali," he said.
"If citizens face compensation issues, they can request a reassessment of the compensation value they believe they are owed. Errors are not uncommon, which is why there is a mechanism in place for lodging complaints to ensure fair compensation."
Challenges persist in relocation efforts
Despite the City of Kigali's efforts to relocate residents from high-risk zones, significant challenges remain, particularly concerning family size and other hardships faced by victims of expropriation.
Evariste Murwanashyaka, the Executive Secretary of CLADHO, an umbrella association of human rights organizations in Rwanda, raised concerns about the lack of information leading to inadequate compensation, which worsens living conditions for relocated individuals. If people being relocated lack access to information, he noted, this raises concerns about compensation and transparency.
"Further advocacy is essential to ensure that individuals receive pertinent information prior to expropriation, enabling them to make informed decisions about their relocation and understand the rationale behind it.”
He emphasized the importance of upholding human rights and providing fair compensation that reflects the value of properties.
"Every expropriation scenario must prioritize human rights as per legal mandates granting relocated individuals the right to their expropriated properties. Moreover, those relocated from high-risk zones deserve relocation to improved environments.”
Experts suggest that prioritizing human rights and involving affected communities in the decision-making process can lead to more equitable outcomes, fostering sustainable development while safeguarding citizens' well-being.
Organizations like IRDP established clubs across the country to encourage citizen involvement. These clubs educate people about new government projects and expropriation laws, ensuring they are fully informed and able to participate effectively.