The future of the Kigali Green City project will be decided by June this year, with its fate largely dependent on whether affected residents receive fair compensation, the Minister of Infrastructure has said.

Infrastructure Minister Jimmy Gasore told Parliament on March 17 that concerns around compensation must be resolved before implementation begins, stressing that no resident will be displaced without adequate payment.

"The project will only proceed once affected residents have been fairly and adequately compensated. If that is not achieved, it will not go ahead,” he said.

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Envisioned as a model for sustainable urban development, the Kigali Green City project aims to combine affordable housing with environmentally friendly infrastructure.

Gasore said a final decision on whether to proceed will be made by June 2026, when authorities will assess whether compensation conditions have been met. If not, the project will be halted and the area will revert to the standard physical development plan.

The project, planned in Kinyinya, Gasabo District, is part of the broader Kigali Green City initiative, with initial funding estimated at nearly Rwf60 billion, according to the City of Kigali.

Residents say they have largely accepted the June timeline, noting that the wait is manageable.

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"Ever since 2023, we have been informed about the project, yet no compensation has been provided, and when we look at the valuation prices, they’re really low. Still, most of us in the community have accepted the timeline set by the authorities and are prepared to wait until June for the final decision,” said Annociata Mukayuhi, whose property will be affected.

"It is reassuring to know that June is not far away, and we hope that by then there will be clarity on whether the project will move forward. After that, we will be able to decide whether to build, renovate, or sell our properties.”

The project covers Gasharu and Murama cells, where the highest land price is currently set at Frw39,548 per square metre.

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There is also growing awareness among residents that compensation for land affected by roads and infrastructure will depend on a new budget expected to take effect in July.

Grace Nishimwe, Director General of the National Land Authority, said a revised land price list used for valuation is expected to be published by June, pending Cabinet approval.

However, some residents say prolonged uncertainty has left them in limbo, unsure whether to invest in their properties, sell, or wait.

"The lack of clear timelines and concrete decisions has created anxiety, as many struggle to plan for their financial future while hoping that fair compensation and official guidance will soon be provided,” said Johnson Gasana, a resident of Kinyinya.

"The project continues to face hurdles, as if it keeps getting flat tyres, slowing down progress and creating uncertainty for everyone involved.”

Gasore said that if fair compensation is not achieved, residents will retain full ownership of their land and standard development plans will apply.

Once implemented, the project is expected to accommodate between 170,000 and 200,000 residents, offering a mix of residential and commercial spaces.

The development is anchored on four pillars: affordable housing, climate resilience, efficient use of natural resources, and sustainable urban planning.

Officials say the project is designed to respond to Kigali’s growing urban population while aligning with global climate and sustainability goals.