Residents raised the concerns during an online citizens’ forum held on Tuesday 5th April 2022 attended by Kigali City officials, the Minister of Local Government, Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi and representatives from relevant institutions.
During the event, residents from across Kigali City followed discussions virtually under ‘Smart Inteko’ forum introduced to enhance citizens’ participation.
Residents also followed discussions through six radio stations including Radio1, Isango Star, Radio Salus and other social media platforms where they were helped to voice concerns.
Minister Gatabazi urged Kigali City officials to continue organizing such citizens’ forum and strive to make them comfortable in the city through addressing their issues in trade, transport and sanitation among others.
Kigali City Vice Mayor in Charge of Social Affairs and Development, Martine Urujeni reminded dwellers that the country is making preparations for the 28th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi and requested them to participate in adherence to COVID-19 guidelines.
Minister Gatabazi also highlighted that embracing technology is part of initiatives to reach out to citizens and urged Kigali City officials to solve their issues without any excuses.
“We are mandated to do whatever improving citizens’ welfare being aware that we are here to serve their interests. Offered services should be citizen-centered. I would like to remind leaders that it falls under major duty,” he said.
“There are instances when a resident spends a week or month seeking support to have particular issues addressed. Not doing so, stalls citizens’ progress and keeps them under the line of poverty, in jealously and hatred. Everyone needs to solve citizens’ issues in respective capacities,” added Gatabazi.
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Residents who followed the discussions from different corners of the city reminisced on rampant issues including delayed issuance of land titles, long queues for passengers awaiting public buses.
Kigali City Vice-Mayor in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, Dr. Merard Mpabwanamaguru explained that land documents are currently issued electronically through an established platform.
He revealed that technicians consider data collected on ground even though residents apply for construction permit to Kigali City level.
“We have 29 technicians set to increase to 45 to make the issuance of land titles easier. Today, the issuance of land document is ongoing and does not exceed 22 days,” he noted.
Dr. Mpabwanamaguru explained that permit for renovation of house, construction of fence are issued at sector level not later than 15 days.
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Dr. Mpabwanamaguru has said that passengers have increased yet there are only three public transport companies operating in Kigali since 2013.
He explained that COVID-19 pandemic stalled efforts to make reforms in public transport noting that related discussions are currently ongoing.
As Dr. Mpabwanamaguru disclosed, there is plan to increase public buses and establishing new destinations for public buses in Birembo and Bweramvura among other parts of the city.
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Reacting to residents’ concerns over the issue of thieves equipped with traditional arms in Gasabo; the Executive Administrator of Gasabo District, Pauline Umwali said that new measures have been put in place to strengthen security in collaboration with security officials.
The Mayor of Kigali City, Pudence Rubingisa requested residents to keep sharing ideas on what should be done to advance their progress.
Participants of the meeting also discussed preparations of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) slated in June 2022. Dr. Mpabwanamaguru disclosed that preparations are on good progress.
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