Kigali City development activities to be centralised

The City of Kigali will soon become one entity with all districts operating under it, a move that will put it in charge of mega developments in the capital.Speaking to The New Times yesterday, the Minister of Local Government, James Musoni, said the draft law which is already before cabinet, will empower the city to supervise mega development projects such as infrastructure.The three districts that make up the capital city; Nyarugenge, Kicukiro, and Gasabo, will only be left with attributions of social affairs, like hygiene promotion.“The draft law is already with the cabinet and awaiting passing into a Presidential Order so that it comes into force,” Musoni confirmed, adding that the budget will also be centralised. “This policy will not remove the three districts; they will remain with their autonomy but will be facilitating certain developments in compliance with the City of Kigali”. On whether the law will lead to the creation of one council, Musoni said the districts will remain with District Advisory Councillors but will have to base their decisions on the directives of KCC management.“They will have a right to come up with their own decisions but which will have to be forwarded to KCC for approval. They will be required to facilitate the development agenda built by KCC,” he said.Kigali City Mayor, Fidele Ndayisaba, said it will harmonise all plans developed by the three districts.“We want Kigali to become a business oriented city and are very optimistic this new policy, once approved, will be a very positive move towards the development of the city,” said Ndayisaba.Kicukiro Mayor, Jules Ndamage, welcomed the development saying it will streamline strategic planning for the capital.“It will make development sources accessible and effective compared to the current system,” said Ndamage, adding that some developmental projects take long to be realised because of bureaucracy.

National

Kigali City development activities to be centralised