The decision to implement this rental assistance program comes in response to recent devastating landslides and floods that resulted in the loss of 131 lives and the destruction of numerous houses, schools, roads, and other vital infrastructure in Rwanda’s Western, Northern, and Southern provinces.
As part of the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens, an assessment conducted by Kigali City has revealed that 5,812 families currently reside in high-risk zones, with 2,332 of them occupying rented accommodations.
Kigali City Mayor Pudence Rubingisa has expressed the city’s dedication to identifying and encouraging more families living in vulnerable areas to relocate.
“For those who have rented properties in high-risk zones, we are providing one month’s rental payment to support their relocation to safer locations. Additionally, we are offering three months’ rental payment to house owners to save their lives,” he noted.
Among others, Rubingisa explained that city authorities are actively conducting regular assessments to identify residents living in areas with rising ground surface.
In such cases, relocation plans will be put in place if it is determined that buildings do not adhere to proper structural guidelines or if people are situated near water drainage channels or marshlands, posing potential threats.
Currently, 361 families have already been relocated through this ongoing campaign.
In a recent press conference held on April 17th, 2023, Dr. Merard Mpabwanamaguru, Kigali City’s Vice Mayor in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, revealed that approximately 27,000 families reside in disaster-prone areas across 35 sectors.
Kigali City officials have issued reminders to residents, urging them not to dispose of garbage in water drainage channels to prevent environmental damage and the destruction of essential infrastructure.
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