MUSANZE - The Minister of Infrastructure, Linda Bihire has challenged local authorities to follow building regulations while developing urban master plans for their districts in order to ensure proper urbanisation.

Bihire was speaking during a ceremony to mark the national World Habitat Day celebrations. The function was held in Musanze town.

The Minister noted that urbanisation which is a driving force for economic development requires proper control and planning.

According to statistics, there has been a rapid population increase in urban centres, with 80 percent of the urban centres in Rwanda still being categorized as informal settlements. 

In her address, Bihire cited population growth, economic instability, food insecurity, climate change and resource depletion, as the biggest challenges to urban development.

The UN Habitat representative, at the function, Monic Savumba observed that the day provides a platform to reflect on the state of human settlement and the basic path to achieving adequate shelter for all. 

‘The day also reminds the world of its collective responsibility for the future of the human habitat,’ Savumba said.

According to the Musanze urban plan which was presented before the Minister, town streets will be named and over 70 houses will be demolished when the urban master plan takes effect.

The Mayor Celestin Kalabayinga, said that the transformation of Musanze town is expected to have various trickle down effects in areas like efficient service delivery.

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