SOUTHERN PROVINCE

HUYE — For quite some time there have been talks about redeveloping Butare town’s central business district commonly known as Icyarabu.

The plan has however, attracted mixed reactions from the business community. While some welcome the plan, others complain that it is beyond their means.

Most businesses in Icyarabu operate from largely old dilapidated structures which are an eye soar to the university town.

Jules Djangwani, an official in charge of lands at the district, in an interview with The New Times, said that transforming the business district is the starting point for the redevelopment of the entire town.

He said: "The business district is located in the heart of the town; we will start with its redevelopment if we are to change the image of the whole town.”

According to the plan, property owners are expected to convert their buildings to have at least four storeys. Building plans are expected to be submitted to district authorities within the next six months. 

Djangwani added, "People with limited resources can come together and pull resources, while others can arrange with banks for credit.”

However, some landlords in ‘Icyarabu’ have expressed misgivings about the plan. Jacques Sibomana, a property owner says that the plan is well beyond his financial ability.

"I am supportive of the idea to redevelop our town but the insistence on developing a  four-storey building is not realistic to me,” said Sibomana.

According to another landlord who gave his name only as Sebukangaga, the proprietor of Barthos Hotel, the plan does not put into consideration the financial muscle of business persons operating in the town.

"The purchasing power is very low in this town. Investing large sums of money in construction is not viable under such circumstances. It will not take long for district authorities to realise this,” Sebukangaga said.

In an interesting twist the Chairman of the District Advisory Council, one of the key components of the local administration alluded to the fact that the rebuilding program for the town  is an issue that could be revisited.

Dr Charles Ndagije, said the council has not been consulted on the proposed development.

"Surely, our town must be developed but it can’t be done in a way that harms businesses. The council will first sit and analyse the applicability of this policy,” he said.

Ends