Delays in compensation worry Bugesera residents

Over 2000 families of Ririma sector in Bugesera District, Eastern Province set to be evicted to pave way for the construction of an International Airport in the area have expressed concern over delayed compensation for their farm land. The residents said they were barred from farming on the land last year, with promises of compensation but nothing has materialised. Pascasie Nyiragahinda, one of the affected residents told The New Times that they risk running short of food as they missed this farming season. Samuel Kalinda, another resident said, “We are worried because most of us depend on farming. It is very hard for us to survive we may not have a chance to till our land.” When contacted, Louis Rwagaju, the Mayor of Bugesera District acknowledged that all those affected deserve compensation and government is working on it. “We recognise this problem; we are working hand in hand with the Ministry of Infrastructure to resolve it. Those who will be paid first, will move on while others will continue their activities,” he said. Prof. Silas Lwakabamba, the Minister for Infrastructure said they have set up a team to examine the compensation and there is hope it will be sorted very soon. “In collaboration with Ministry of Finance and Local Government we are working on how to pay them as soon as possible,” he said. Property to be compensated is worth Rwf13bn and International Airport will be built on 25.6 km2.

National

Delays in compensation worry Bugesera residents