In the district of Rusizi, Rwanda, a group of five families has been facing uncertainty for the past five years. They had sold their land to make way for the expansion of Rusizi National Park, but the promised new homes have yet to materialize. The affected families reside in the village of Munyana, in the Kamatita sector of Gihundwe. They claim that in 2021, officials from the park arrived and assessed the existing structures on their land, compensating them for the land and crops.
The residents, including Nyiransabimana Elevanie and Iyakaremye Said, stated that they received payment for the crops and trees on their land. However, the new homes that were supposed to be built in their place have not been constructed. The families claim that they were only given verbal assurances, with no written agreements to back up the promises. As a result, they are still living in their old homes, which are in a state of disrepair.
The residents expressed concerns about the condition of their homes, which are old and in need of repair. However, they claim that they are not allowed to renovate or make any changes to the existing structures. This has led to a situation where they are forced to live in substandard conditions. The families are now seeking urgent intervention to address their situation and provide them with new homes.
The residents' plight came to light when they approached the authorities, seeking assistance. However, the officials from Rusizi National Park referred them to the Rwanda Airports Company (RAC), which is responsible for the management and operation of airports in Rwanda. Attempts to contact RAC officials were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to phone calls or messages.
The Mayor of Rusizi, Sindayiheba Phanuel, acknowledged the issue and promised to investigate the matter. In a message sent via WhatsApp, he stated that the authorities were aware of the situation and would look into it. However, the residents remain skeptical, having waited for five years for a resolution.
The situation has left the residents feeling frustrated and uncertain about their future. They are now calling for urgent action to address their concerns and provide them with new homes. The incident highlights the challenges faced by communities affected by development projects and the need for effective communication and planning to mitigate the impact on local residents.
The Rusizi National Park expansion project aims to enhance the conservation and tourism potential of the area. However, the project's implementation has raised concerns about the treatment of local communities and the need for fair compensation and relocation. The authorities must now take steps to address the concerns of the affected families and ensure that their rights are respected.
Key points
- The five families have been waiting for five years for new homes after selling their land to make way for the expansion of Rusizi National Park.
- The residents claim that they were only given verbal assurances, with no written agreements to back up the promises of new homes.
- The authorities have acknowledged the issue and promised to investigate the matter, but the residents remain skeptical.
