Kigali, 3^rd October, 2016 – The Minister of Infrastructure Honorable James MUSONI signed Urbanization sector performance contract/IMIHIGO with the Board Chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza. The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of infrastructure Headquarters in Kacyiru on 27^th September, 2016 in a bid to celebrate the 2015/16 sector achievements and lay strategy to implement 2016/17 sector projections.

The Infrastructure Minister, Honorable James Musoni put it clear that sustainable urbanization process transforms the quality of livelihoods and promotes skills development and decent employment opportunities in both urban and rural areas especially for youth and women. The Government of Rwanda therefore has put due emphasis on the formulation of a National Urban Policy that reiterates the role of cities and towns in national development. Capacity building of policy makers and key players involved in the urbanization process has been carried out, with sustainable programmes piloted in selected intermediate cities together with programmes aimed at upgrading informal settlements.

Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza as the Board Chairman-Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) testified that, in urbanization sector, National Urbanization Policy and strategy were finalized and adopted that spells out the role of cities and towns in national development.

In a bid to ease pressure on Kigali City, opportunities were created in Six Secondary Cities through the developed Rwanda Urban Development Project (RUDP) that will greatly contribute in transforming the economic geography of Rwanda and facilitate infrastructure development.

Informal Settlements upgrading activities were piloted in two Secondary Cities of Huye and Musanze whereby roads were improved and public lighting put in place. This has enhanced rural settlements that facilitate access to basic services and development of model villages.

Besides, Integrated Development Programme (IDP) model villages were developed in 4 secondary cities (Muhanga, Huye, Rubavu and Rusizi), and 1 in Bugesera-Rweru with 104 dwelling Units while 30 Integrated Development Programme Model villages are planned to be constructed one per district in the fiscal year 2016/17. 

One Stop Centres at the district level are to be supported under this broad target which will entail training of staff (including on GIS and inspection tools); and creating a manual, using modules, to help build the capacity of the centre staff.

The above have called for coordination as defined through a framework to ensure the implementation of the Master Plan. Activities include providing technical support to directors and implementers (district and government institutions etc.). 

A total of 60,136 Households living in scattered settlements & high risk zones were relocated including 104 Households relocated from Mazane and Shalita Islands of Lake Rweru.

About 257.5 ha of land in Kigali City and Secondary Cities have been designated for the development of 3,600 units’ of houses in first phase under affordable housing program starting with 561 Units in Batsinda 2. Inspection and compliance with construction and housing standards have also been enhanced.