Residents of Munyana village, Kamatita sector, Gihundwe district, Rusizi, have been living in uncertainty for five years as they await relocation due to the construction of a new airport infrastructure. The residents had sold their land and properties to the airport authorities in 2021, but their new homes have yet to be built. The affected residents claim that they were only given verbal promises of relocation, with no written agreements.
The residents, including Nyiransabimana Elevanie and Iyakaremye Said, claim that they received payment for their crops and trees, but their homes were not included in the compensation. They say that the airport authorities had promised to build new homes for them, but the project has stalled. The residents are now facing difficulties living in their old homes, which are in a state of disrepair.
The residents have expressed concerns about the condition of their homes, which are old and in need of repair. They claim that they are not allowed to renovate or expand their homes, which is exacerbating the problem. Nyiransabimana Elevanie said that her home is leaking during rainy seasons, and she is worried about the safety of her family.
The residents are seeking urgent intervention from the authorities to relocate them to new homes. They want the government to honor the verbal promises made by the airport authorities and provide them with decent housing. Iyakaremye Said said that he is worried about the future of his family, as his home is in a precarious state.
Attempts to reach out to the Rwanda Airports Company (RAC) for comment were unsuccessful, as they did not respond to phone calls or text messages. However, the Mayor of Rusizi, Sindayiheba Phanuel, acknowledged the issue and promised to investigate the matter. In a WhatsApp message, he said that the issue was being looked into and that the authorities would work to find a solution.
The residents' plight has sparked concerns about the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects on local communities. The construction of the new airport infrastructure is expected to bring benefits to the region, but it has also created uncertainty and hardship for the affected residents. The government is expected to provide support and compensation to those affected by the project.
The situation remains uncertain for the residents of Munyana village, who are still waiting for their new homes to be built. They are calling on the authorities to expedite the relocation process and provide them with decent housing. The government has been urged to investigate the matter and provide support to those affected by the airport construction project.
Key points
- The residents of Munyana village have been waiting for five years for relocation due to the construction of a new airport infrastructure in Rusizi, Rwanda.
- The residents claim that they were only given verbal promises of relocation, with no written agreements, and are seeking urgent intervention from the authorities.
- The government has acknowledged the issue and promised to investigate the matter, but the situation remains uncertain for the affected residents.
