The multibillion eco-friendly homes are developed under a project dubbed ‘Bwiza Riverside Homes’ run by ADHI Rwanda Ltd.
ADHI Rwanda is a subsidiary of ADHI Corporate Group established in 2011 in Gabon.
The Bwiza Riverside affordable homes community project was designed primarily with first-time homeowners in mind. Qualifying buyers will choose from four distinct affordable home sizes and styles.
Each of housing units at the estate is estimated to cost between Rwf16 million and Rwf35 million.
Rwanda entered agreements with ADHI Rwanda Ltd in November 2020 to implement the project to be completed in five phases.
So far, seven model units have been completed. They are part of out of 245 units expected to be completed this year.
The unique construction method used in building ADHI homes consists largely of a patented system of light steel frames combined with lightweight concrete and other innovative elements to create green-certified homes.
The method results in 53% on-site energy savings and future cost savings for homeowners. Furthermore, Bwiza Riverside will use green infrastructure to develop a sustainable community with a low carbon footprint.
The government of Rwanda aims to create 150,000 new dwellings annually to meet the projected demand of 5.5 million dwellings by 2050. Through initiatives like the affordable housing program, the government seeks to address low and middle-income communities’ housing challenges.
As he inaugurated the project worth Rwf100 billion on Friday 11th February 2022, Kagame was accompanied by First Lady Jeannette Kagame.
The ceremony was attended by different dignitaries including Government officials, bank leaders, diplomats accredited to Rwanda and members of the private sector.
The Head of State said that he met Soleman Idd, the founder and Chairman of ADHI Group in a couple of years ago where he was taken through the technology in housing and how it can lead to achieving affordable housing for ‘our population’ particularly those without high income. As he explained, Kagame told the investor that he wanted to see what he was talking about.
“That is how he set up this model to demonstrate what is possible. Keeping faith with Soleman, I think we have arrived at having something standing by which we can judge that the problem we have had for a long time can be addressed. This is just the beginning. There is a lot of work to do,” he said.
President Kagame emphasized that there is need for training and materials that have to be accessed locally for the project’s sustainability.
He promised the investor that the Government of Rwanda will remain a strong partner.
“If we can move faster, that should be our aim. On the side of Government, we feel we should do whatever is possible within our means to have our people access the kind of affordable houses that are needed in so large numbers. But today, we saw what is possible; we are going to stick with it and will demand that every one of us in the Government system does what we can possibly do to make significant progress,” Kagame noted.
“We have partners who want to support the Government to be able to house our people. I think they have seen what is possible with this model. I also think, it invites all of us for this strong partnership we can forge to be able to achieve what needs to be done,” he added.
At least 300 million housing units are needed globally not later than 2030 to address housing needs particularly in the Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia.
Commenting on the project, Clare Akamanzi, RDB CEO, said: “We welcome the investment by ADHI in the provision of affordable housing. It boosts the government’s goal for urbanisation to reach 35 per cent by 2024. However, we need to see more houses being built as there is still a significant gap to meet the demand for affordable housing. We encourage more developers to take advantage of the existing incentives, which include the provision of infrastructures like roads, water and electricity, and a reduced corporate income tax of 15 per cent.”
During the unveiling, guests toured five completed model homes, which will serve as the “blueprints” for all other housing units to be built over the next two years. Upon completion of the development, Bwiza Riverside will comprise 1,680 affordable houses and 720 luxury units.
In addition to the affordable homes, ADHI Corporate has established a training academy for Innovative and Sustainable light steel frame construction. Academy students receive on-site, competence-based training to prepare them for future employment opportunities. As such, the academy students will form a key component in the building of Bwiza Riverside.
To ensure access to affordable financing, enabling more Rwandans to purchase homes in the project, ADHI Corporate has partnered with the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD).
Commenting on the uniqueness of the housing project, Soleman Idd, the ADHI Chairman, said: “Our construction method is innovative yet uses proven technologies and materials that, when combined, result in faster, cheaper, stronger, and long-lasting buildings. Our built houses suffer minimum impact from the weather, seismic damage, wind and fire, rust, rot, and humidity. With our in-house training, skill development, certification and tools, we also empower both genders economically.”
{{About ADHI Corporate}}
The ADHI Corporate Group was established in 2011 in Gabon and is dedicated to innovation, sustainability and empowerment. Their sustainable construction method is a patented system that uses modular parts pre-made in a factory for faster and more affordable construction. This method addresses climate change concerns while providing homes that are well-suited to African climates.
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