Africa-Press – Rwanda. The City of Kigali has assured households living in disaster-hot spots near Nduba dumpsite that their urgent relocation during the ongoing rainy season will not affect earlier made plans for compensation.
The households have been seeking for more than Rwf2 billion in compensation to facilitate relocation so as to avoid health risks caused by contamination from waste at the dumpsite, which affects both soil and water sources.
According to city officials, in addition to the health risks associated with environmental contamination, some households are located in high-risk disaster zones, necessitating immediate relocation. Residents expressed concerns about the urgency of the relocation, fearing they may not receive the compensation they were promised after their properties were evaluated for compensation.
However, on April 15, Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, the spokesperson for the City of Kigali, allayed these fears, stating that compensation would be provided as planned, despite the emergency relocation required to avert potential disasters due to ongoing heavy rains forecast by the meteorological agency.
Flooding and a landslide killed two people and destroyed dozens of houses from April 10 to 13 in Kigali and it is feared that there could be more causalities if people do not heed the warning and move quickly.
She said: “The relocation is necessary due to the heavy rains forecast by Rwanda Meteorology Agency. We urge residents to prioritise their safety over concerns about compensation. Recent rainfall has already caused damage, and more is expected.
“This increases the risk for those living in high-risk areas, such as very steep slopes or houses already showing signs of structural vulnerability. Some houses have already been damaged, and many are situated in danger zones. We are urging residents to move immediately to avoid loss of life.”
She highlighted the particular vulnerability of households near the landfill in Nduba Sector in Gasabo District.
“If it rains heavily while people are still in those areas, their safety cannot be guaranteed. Would you prefer to lose your life while waiting for compensation?” she asked.
To assist with emergency relocation, the City of Kigali pledged to release Rwf90,000 per month, for three months, for property owners, and Rwf30,000 per month to tenants, to subsidise the cost of alternative accommodation elsewhere.
“This is emergency support for shelter, not compensation. Some residents fear that accepting this assistance might disqualify them from future compensation. That is not the case. This support is a temporary emergency measure and not a substitute for compensation. Compensation will follow later. But it won’t help you if you’re no longer living. If you’ve been told your area is risky, please move now. Your safety comes first,” she explained.
The residents to be compensated have properties located in Taba and Kibungo villages, Muremure Cell, Nduba Sector, Gasabo District, within the City of Kigali.
Claudine Muhawenimana, one of the affected residents, stressed her frustration regarding the delays and unfulfilled promises over the past five years.
“We were told in 2021 that we would be relocated to make way for the expansion of the landfill, but nothing has happened since. My house collapsed two years ago, and I couldn’t rebuild it because we were told we might have to leave at any time. Now, I live in a place where even basic services are unavailable, but I’m trapped because I don’t know when—or if—we’ll be moved,” she said.
Muhawenimana added that the unresolved situation has left many residents unable to make any improvements to their properties or plan for their futures.
“I can’t even plant a tree or fix the roof without wondering if it will be wasted effort. It’s not just about relocation anymore; it’s about the constant waiting and the lack of answers.”
Compensation by end of year
The Mayor of the City of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva, told Members of Parliament in January that there is a plan to finalise compensation for residents living near the landfill by the end of the current financial year (2024/25).
He stated that 97 households had to be compensated.
“Some of these families received compensation in the past two years, and we are now finalising the budget for the remaining cases,” he said.
The city requires Rwf1.8 billion to complete compensation for all affected families.
“We are currently sourcing the necessary funds to complete compensation, as all other procedures have been completed.”
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