More services moved to one-stop-centre

KIGALI - In a bid to abide by the clients charter, construction permits previously issued by other institutions were, effective Wednesday, May 11, consolidated in the Kigali Construction One-Stop Centre. According to a ‘Public Notice’ issued by the City of Kigali and Rwanda Development Board (RDB), land documents such as lease contracts, construction and occupancy permits which were previously issued by the National Land Centre and districts would now be issued by the One Stop Centre. Other services that were moved to the centre are utility connection applications such as electricity and water which were formerly issued by the Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA). Similalry, fixing of land line telephones was moved from Rwandatel to the centre. According to the notice signed by City Mayor, Fidele Ndayisaba and John Gara, CEO of RBD, all these services would be offered to only those seeking to build commercial facilities and major residential housing projects. The construction projects for single family residential and land transfers, however, would continue to be processed at the district land offices. “The City of Kigali’s One-Stop Centre will receive consolidated application and directly link with EWSA and land line provider to facilitate the process,” the notice partly reads. Kigali Construction One-Stop Centre was established in April last year to facilitate Doing Business in the country.The move was welcomed by several investors in the city. Bertin Makuza, a prominent real estate developer in the country said the move shows the government’s commitment to facilitate investors with all necessities and in time. “But our problem was not where these documents are issued but rather the kind of services offered which helps investors acquire all they want in time,” said Makuza, who is building a15 storey facility at the former Post office premises. Tharcisse Ngabonziza, the president of CHIC Investment Group, said that “this is one of the things we as investors were waiting for. It will save our time moving from one office to another looking for these services which at times take long to get.” CHIC Investment Group is a group of about 80 people, mainly business persons in Kigali’s main trading centre commonly known as Quartier Mattheus. The group is in the process of acquiring the current premises of Muhima Technical School (ETO Muhima) in Nyarugenge District. CHIC intends to construct three commercial complexes on a 3.24 hectare land valued at Rwf 30 billion. Ends