Businesses operating at Nyarugenge Woodshop are set to relocate to the Kigali Special Economic Zone as the City of Kigali advances plans to develop modern facilities that address congestion, safety risks, and environmental concerns.

The move comes as relocation efforts for Gisozi Woodshop continue.

The plans were discussed during a meeting between the Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Education, Technology and Youth, City of Kigali officials, and other stakeholders on job creation and industrial development.

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The relocation initiative follows similar efforts at Gisozi Woodshop, which was affected by a major fire in May last year.

Senator Uwamariya said operators at Nyarugenge Woodshop told lawmakers that the current site is no longer adequate for the growing number of businesses operating there.

"They expressed concerns about fire risks, citing the recent fire outbreak at Gisozi Woodshop. They noted that a similar incident could have serious consequences given the limited space available. They also requested the construction of modern hangars,” she said.

Senator Adrie Umuhire, chairperson of the committee, said operators affected by the Gisozi fire are still seeking clarity on the future use of the land where they previously operated.

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"Woodworkers are requesting modern hangars, while those affected by the fire are waiting to know what will happen to the land where they were operating,” she said.

Responding to the concerns, Fulgence Dusabimana, Kigali’s Vice Mayor in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure, said plans to relocate Nyarugenge Woodshop operators are at an advanced stage.

"The designs have already been completed and land has been identified. We are now looking at relocating the operators as cooperatives rather than as individual businesses,” he said.

On Gisozi Woodshop, Dusabimana said about 80 per cent of the area affected by the fire lies within wetlands, making relocation necessary. Studies are also underway to determine the future use of the site.

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"There are plans to start operations on a 19-hectare site that could later be expanded to 36 hectares. Around seven hectares could also be utilised within the current area,” he said.

According to Dusabimana, activities at the woodshop have nearly quadrupled since its establishment, putting pressure on existing infrastructure.

He said relocating the businesses would not only provide more space but also help reduce pollution generated in a densely populated part of the city.

Senator Alphonse Nkubana raised concerns about the impact of the relocation on businesses and households that depend on the woodshop’s activities.

In response, Dusabimana acknowledged the sector’s wider economic linkages and said the city would take them into account throughout the relocation process.

The meeting also highlighted challenges related to licensing industries in industrial parks, including cases where people acquire land without adequate information about planned industrial developments.