Rwamagana District authorities have started implementing measures aimed at addressing widespread illegal constructions that affect the standards of a modern town. The mayor Nehemie Uwimana, said the district has started demolishing illegal structures that do not meet criteria. Speaking to The New Times at the beginning of the exercise yesterday, Uwimana said all housing units that were illegally put up would be razed. He warned that the district would not lose momentum, adding that it will continue to implement the measures across the district. He warned residents to stop illegal construction, noting that it was a waste of resources. “There are laws and procedures of construction that must be observed. The buildings do not meet any of the requirements,” he said. The operation echoes one of 2012 when authorities demolished a number of illegal structures. “As a district, we have a mandate to stop such developments. We are targetting areas where people are constructing homes illegally,” Uwimana said. The Mayor said all construction work done with substandard materials should also stop forthwith. Emmanuel Usabye, one of the affected residents, however, condemned the demolitions, saying it was done in improper way. He said his structure that was destroyed had been in existence for the last one-and-half years. “I was maliciously targeted by the authorities because I recently beat them in court. They are fond of taking wrong decisions,” he complained. Residents lashed at authorities for doing nothing as several houses and businesses were being built. “While the district intervention should be welcomed, the people responsible for this urban and infrastructure chaos should be held accountable for not acting in time,” said Eugene Mugabo, a resident. The National Technical Committee on housing recently commended Eastern Province districts, for taking a lead in setting up organised settlements in the country.
