Kigali 9^rd July, 2016-Affordable housing program aims to provide the context of the housing challenge in Rwanda and confer the enabling strategies and operational instruments that need to be put in place to achieve the “Housing for all? vision in general, but specifically this is analyzing the concept of “Affordable Housing Development in Rwanda, for low and middle income earners”

The main key initiatives and other strategies, worth applauding and which require immediate Government intervention, private sector and civil society involvement to accelerate housing supply are to be highlighted.

The program proposal extends to integrate the reforms needed by all Stakeholders intervening in housing supply program in Rwanda.

The major goal of affordable housing program is to improve the quality and the quantity of affordable housing units for low and middle income communities in Rwanda in order to boost economic growth and reduce poverty by providing suitable and sustainable housing units for better settlement in both rural and urban areas of Rwanda.

The first clients or target groups of the program are Government employees earning low and medium monthly salaries but with secure and stable jobs that can offer them opportunities to repay mortgages upon acquisition of the structure.

Looking at EDPRS II goals, one can see that more than 560,000 households would be needed to accommodate more people expected to settle in cities. More than a half of the total demand falls into affordable category. Affordable house should look modest but fulfilling required standards, that is why the number of room range from 1 to3 bed rooms per household which should also not exceed 95 square meters.   

Affordable homes shall be provided in condominium of storeyed structures as well as space efficient individual duplex units. The structures will be energy efficient with natural ventilation, lighting and water recycling services in place. Modern building technologies will be used alongside durable zero carbon emission building materials in this project.

the National Housing Policy was adopted, with its vision being: “Everyone independent of income, base of subsistence, and location shall be able to access adequate housing in sustainably planned and developed areas reserved for habitation in Rwanda”.

The National Housing Policy strategizes in a holistic approach the way toward a positive impact on increasing employment rates, skills transfer, and quality enhancement in the local construction industry all seen as factors contributing to a vision of increasing wealth for all.

A wide approach to make housing affordable is needed in 3 policy pillars, the document covers the aspects of access to housing, resource efficiency, land, infrastructure, skills development, enhancement of the local construction industry, construction materials and technology, townscape and liveability, as well as public responsibility.