Carpentry businesses currently operating in the Agakiriro workshops in the Gisozi area will be relocated to the Kigali Special Economic Zone as part of ongoing efforts to enhance safety and prevent future fire incidents, The New Times has learnt. ALSO READ: Major fire breaks out at Gakiriro woodshops This comes barely two months after the woodshops suffered a major fire, raising concerns about safety measures in the area. The latest of multiple fire incidents that have affected Agakiriro workshops occurred on May 30. The relocation is part of a wider plan to ensure safety and improve the working environment for carpenters and furniture makers, Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, the spokesperson for the City of Kigali, told The New Times on Tuesday, July 15. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Shock as Gakiriro woodshops are gutted by major fire She noted that storage facilities, which are at high risk of fire when located near production areas, will also be moved to a separate location that has yet to be identified. “Only shops showcasing spaces finished furniture may be allowed to remain in Gisozi, in line with zoning and safety requirements,” Ntirenganya said. Ntirenganya said that the exact timeline for implementation has not yet been confirmed as the relocation plan is still being developed. The City of Kigali is working closely with relevant authorities to assess existing infrastructure, identify suitable relocation sites, and ensure the entire process is well coordinated, she said, adding that updates on the timeline will be communicated to stakeholders and the public in due course. Measures for other woodshops Ntirenganya stated that the City of Kigali is also extending safety assessments to other woodshop clusters throughout the city. “Regular inspections are being conducted in woodshops and markets to ensure that no risky activities are taking place, she said. This includes, but is not limited to, prohibiting the installation of unauthorised temporary structures, preventing obstructions to pathways and corridors, and ensuring that electricity installations and other critical infrastructure remain accessible and compliant with standards.” ALSO READ: What if everything burned tomorrow? Why property insurance isn’t optional To enhance safety at the Gisozi workshops in the aftermath of the May 30 incident, Ntirenganya said the City has implemented several preventive measures. These include removal of illegal structures such as kiosks and storage sheds from common areas, increasing monitoring to ensure public spaces remain clear for emergency response, and conducting continuous awareness campaigns on urban safety standards, fire prevention, and responsible use of shared spaces. The official emphasised that the city remains committed to ensuring that carpenters, workers, and business operators carry out their activities in a secure and well-managed environment. The current reforms, she noted, are part of broader efforts to modernise small-scale production zones while balancing public safety, job preservation, and orderly urban development.
