The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) is contesting construction of a new gas station at Jolie site in Kibagabaga a Kigali suburb saying the developer did not satisfy all the requirements before construction would begin.
Business tycoon Victor Nduwumwami allegedly started construction of the new petrol station late last year at Jolie site at Kibagabaga.He obtained a building permit from Gasabo District and a certificate of environmental impact assessment (EIA) from Rwanda Development Board.
However, REMA contests the validity of the certificate accusing the businessman of dodging a crucial step of public hearing saying the certificate issued by RDB is invalid.
“We have informed all the parties about our recommendations involving the halt of the construction work at the site and everyone must take precautions serious”, said Rose Mukankomeje, REMA Managing Director.
But since February, the beginning of written letters between REMA and the businessman, the construction of the petrol station has gone ahead rapidly and residents nearby the controversial station have threatened to stop the construction works saying the project scares their lives.
However, neither the Gasaba district administration nor the national police have taken an initiative to resolve the standoff.
“The population has no right to just refuse a project like that” says Willy Ndizeye, the Mayor of Gasabo in telephone before adding: “But if the documents are invalid, we should stop the construction and where necessary demolish the structures”.
On one side, the mayor of Gasabo is looking into REMA’s recommendations, based on an expertise reporting the project irregularities and potential threats resulting from the station for Jolie site residents.
On the other hand, the national police would only intervene, according to Spt Theos Badege the spokesman, at the request of the district administration authority.
REMA could also consider a judicial action says Faustin Munyazikwiye REMA acting director of environmental regulation and pollution control department.
“There are laws in this country and I have original documents and I challenge any aggrieved parties to address the issue to the competent court rather than taking the law in their hands” the tycoon responds to critics.
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