The City of Kigali has called upon property owners and developers to stick to regulations while carrying out renovations or constructing new structures.

This follows the demolition of structures that did not meet standards.

In an interview, Bruno Rangira, the Director of Media and Communication at the Kigali City Council, said that the demolished structures were illegally put up.

"The process of demolishing illegal houses that are built in the city is an ongoing process. All structures being put up should comply with the rules and regulations in accordance to the city master plan,” Rangira said.   

He cautioned those who get renovation approvals from Kigali’s One-Stop-Centre and instead use it to put up illegal extensions.  

"We do not relish demolishing people’s houses, but as the city management, we shall continue to ensure that residents who want to build or rehabilitate their houses first get approvals and follow the master plan,” Rangira said.

He noted that the City of Kigali has carried out various mobilisation and sensitisation campaigns aimed at informing the population that it is now easy to obtain a construction permit and an approval for rehabilitation through the district land bureaus as well as the One–Stop-Centre.

Rangira pointed out that it takes about 30 days for one to acquire either a construction permit or rehabilitation approval from the One–Stop-Centre.

Issuance of rehabilitation permits has also been decentralised to the sector level.

"We are encouraging local leaders to carry out daily inspections on all rehabilitation and construction activities taking place in their respective jurisdictions,” he said, adding that most illegal construction take place at night and during weekends.

Speaking to The New Times, Christopher Gatare a resident of Remera Sector, said that sensitisation has not been spread across the city.

"I agree with the City that we should comply with the Master Plan, but there is need for the city management to sensitise the population about the issue because some people are unaware of existing laws,” he said.
 
Ends