KICUKIRO - Government yesterday compensated 96 families who, in 1994, were evicted for security reasons from the neighbourhood of the former State House in Kanombe, that housed ex-President Pasteur Bizimungu.

The Mayor of Kicukiro Paul Jules Ndamage said the evictees had neither been relocated nor compensated at the time of the eviction.

After Bizimungu stepped down, the government sent the evictees back to their homes but most of their property had been damaged or destroyed.

"The government has released 68.8 million Francs that is being distributed to the 96 families depending on the property evaluation that was conducted by the Ministry of Infrastructure,” said Ndamage.

According to the Mayor, the compensation came as a directive from President Paul Kagame.

Government also paid them for renting their land. 
However, it emerged that owners of some of the properties could not be identified making it difficult to know who was the next- of-kin.

"We had initially planned to spend Rwf 80 million but some property owners died, fled the country or could not be traced. We also still have cases of next-of-kin who are still in court and when they cases are settled we will immediately compensate them basing on the court’s decision,” said Kamili Murara an official from the Ministry of Infrastructure.

The residents broke down in song and dance as they each stepped forward to receive their cheques.

"We are grateful for the government for recognising our sacrifices. At least all was not in vain,” said Jean Ntaturo, one of the beneficiaries.

Ends