Mayor goes on record over Kiyovu evictions

The Mayor of Kigali City, Aisha Kirabo Kakira, has called on Rwandans who love their country to embrace positive change if they want their country to develop. She made the call Tuesday during a press conference at her offices called to discuss the ongoing evictions and demolition of homes in Kiyovu, a city suburb. Some of the evicted residents who were relocated have reportedly refused to accept the money and terms offered to them by the City Council and are crying foul about the whole procedure. Many claim that they were not given ample time to prepare for the shifting and are not happy with the amount being given to them as compensation for their premises and where they have been relocated. “These people decided to demolishour houses without notice over the weekend while some of us were at church or away from home which inconvenienced us a lot leading to loss of our property,” lamented a resident who preferred anonymity. Others are claiming that they are suffering and going without food because their shops were destroyed during the eviction process. However the Mayor refuted claims that these people were not given ample time arguing that they have always been aware of the eminent eviction. “Since July last year, we made it clear that we are going to shift these people from Kiyovu because of the unfavorable conditions under which they were living and we even visited and talked to the residents about the plans that we had,” Kirabo said. “If these people had accepted to go where they were relocated, then they would not be suffering and in any case the expropriation act does not say that we have to transport food to the eviction site,” the Mayor added. She said that however painful this whole process is for some, it is a positive change and should be welcomed. “These people were living in unfavorable health conditions and lacked basics like water and electricity and we gave alternatives, built houses and provided transport,” Kirabo added. The Mayor of Nyarugenge, Eugene Rutayisire, said these people would have accepted the terms but are being incited by some people to refuse and press for different terms and advised all those who care for development not to resist the change. Ends

National

Mayor goes on record over Kiyovu evictions