HUYE–An estimated 200 households in Sovu cell, Huye District, are set to be relocated to pave way for the construction of small, medium and large industries in the area.Residents within the designated industrial park in Gikombe, Rwezamenyo and Kigarama villages, Huye sector, have until end of year to move after the area was earmarked for development. A communiqué dated April 9, 2012, a copy of which was seen by this news paper, notified residents of the pending relocation due next year, restricting them from any construction activity or refurbishment of their houses.It says all those affected will be compensated after valuation of their property.“The leadership of Huye sector informs the public that any construction or renovation activities are suspended until the property valuation process is completed for compensation,” partly reads the communiqué, signed by the Sector’s Executive Secretary, Marie Jeanne Uwumukiza, and posted at various business centres in the area.Residents worry they would be left homeless.“We were only put on stand-by; no one told us when we shall leave this place,” Boniface Nzitabakuze, an area resident, said.Grace Mukeshimana, a mother of three said, “we live in uncertainty because we think any time we may be asked to leave.” However, the Governor of the Southern Province, Alphonse Munyentwari, calmed the residents when contacted; saying the expropriation process will be fair in accordance with the laws.“When implementing such projects, we put people’s interests first,” the Governor said.“Everything will be carried out as provided for by the laws governing expropriation exercises. No one should worry”.Munyentwari explained that local authorities were working hand in hand with the Ministry of Trade and Industry on the project.Residents, he said, will start to receive their compensation when the property valuation exercise is finished. The law regulating the expropriation process in Rwanda stipulates that people whose property has been valuated should be compensated within a period of three months.This paper has established that the property valuation process has kicked off. When our reporter visited Huye industrial zone this week, some houses were marked with numbers and residents said local officials were taking records of their properties, starting from their houses.Last year, the Government unveiled plans to establish four Provincial Industrial Parks, as part of the industrialisation process.Government planners have since identified land in Bugesera District (East), Huye (South), Nyabihu (North) and Rusizi (West), for the construction.In Huye District, three factories are already in place, including New Rucep Rwanda, a leather factory; RABI, which processes agricultural produce; and a coffee washing station.
