In Rubavu District, rehabilitation efforts are underway to accelerate its urbanisation.
The move is in line with the government’s recommendation to foster rapid development and expansion for secondary cities.
Rubavu is one of the country’s secondary cities among others that include Huye, Muhanga, Musanze, Nyagatare, and Rusizi districts.
The country has a vision to accelerate urbanisation for its transformational potential and its association with higher productivity, and higher income opportunities.
To achieve this, the country’s National Strategy for Transformation sets, as one of its key objectives, the transformation of Rwanda’s economic geography by facilitating urbanisation and promoting secondary cities.
There is currently an ongoing inspection of buildings in Rubavu that need renovation or expansion. It is located in the Nyamyumba sector, Rugerero and Rubavu sectors.
An inspection was done in the past where 70 commercial buildings were temporarily closed in the town center; these buildings will be reopened according to commitments made to have all buildings renovated within a maximum period of two years.
Ildephonse Kambogo (Ruvavu District Mayor) spoke to the New Times to say that there was a request for property owner to upgrade their buildings.
“In the last two years, the district has been requesting them to upgrade their properties. They have been reminded numerous times and this week was another reminder. We decided to close them upon assessment, until they make a commitment with the sector to confirm the relocation and construction dates,” said Kambogo.
A city can be improved progressively, but consistency in enforcement is essential, he said.
“We have faced challenges of COVID-19 and earthquakes, financial capacities, too. We advised them to join efforts, for land owners with no financial capacity to join those with capacity and agree on the management of the property.”
Gisenyi sectorss has collected statistics for phase 1. They estimate that there are more 100 houses that can be used for commercial purposes. These houses are expected to be upgraded.
Residents speak out
Olivier Ruhamyambuga (Executive Secretary Rubavu District) said that there is no Master Plan yet for the town.
“Master plan is in the final stage, we are waiting for the ministerial meeting for approval,” he told the New Times.
Alfred Hanyurwimfura has been a Rubavu District businessman for 20 years and he welcomed the planned development, noting that it would boost development.
“Renovation of Rubavu town is very important as a lot of buildings are old. There are a lot of old houses too,” he said.
Hanyurwimfura believes it is best for some buildings be completed first, before traders can move as needed.
“We do not hesitate to relocate from these old houses, but we ask the district to get buildings, such as the market, to be completed so that we find where to go,” he said.
Rajesh Mani, an Indian construction specialist, praised the town’s current and planned progress.
“It has to look new! It should be upgraded for the town. I see it is progressing and glowing a lot.”
editor@newtimesrwanda.com
Source: rnewtimes
