City residents criticise poor services in land bureaus

KIGALI - Residents in Kigali City have expressed discontent over poor management of archives in all the land bureaus in the city’s districts. “Land bureaus in all districts are disorganised and residents are very much annoyed by the way services in these bureaus are offered,” reads a report commissioned by Kigali City Council (KCC) on service delivery within the city. According to the report, it takes almost a month for one to get a document from these bureaus due to the disorder in the documentation of archives. The report also warns that these documents were at risk of being destroyed due to poor storage conditions. City Mayor, Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kakira, said it was absurd for the land bureaus to act in such an unprofessional manner and yet the city slogan emphasizes provision of better services. “A solution to this problem must be sought quickly to make sure these documents are well organised and ensure that these offices provide better services to the people,” she said. Among other problems cited was the continued illegal construction of buildings around the city, which would require city officials to demolish them. On this particular issue an accusing finger was pointed at district leaders who do not take a firm stand hence leading to such situations. An example of such condemed buildings was a hotel being constructed by one Jean de Dieu Muyenzi, in Nyarugenge district. According to the commission, Muyenzi got several warnings from the district to stop the construction but continued with the works. The report alleged that corrupt officials especially within KCC could be complicit in these illegal acts. “Buildings in the city that are not on the plan will have to be demolished but also leaders who allow the buildings to be constructed will be punished,” the Mayor said. Ends

National

City residents criticise poor services in land bureaus