Muhazi Residents Seek End to Two-Year Construction Ban.
Residents of Muhazi Sector in Rwamagana District are calling on local authorities to lift a two-year restriction on building and renovating houses, saying the delay has disrupted their plans to improve their homes and invest in property.
The residents say they were informed that construction would remain restricted while detailed land-use and residential development plans were being prepared. They want the process completed quickly so that eligible property owners can resume construction.
The concerns were raised on October 6, 2026, during community meetings held as part of a month dedicated to strengthening citizens’ participation in planning. The meetings also provided an opportunity for residents to submit priorities for inclusion in local development plans.
Residents cited several challenges, including prolonged water shortages, limited access to electricity and restrictions on construction.
Dusabimana Marie, a resident of Ubwiza Village in Kabare Cell, said the suspension had placed a financial burden on people who had planned to build homes or renovate existing properties.
“This is the second year we have not been allowed to build or renovate our houses, and it is seriously affecting us financially. Some people had plots in this sector that they normally rented out, and others took loans to build, only to find that construction had been halted. This is a serious problem, and we want a decision to be made,” she said.
Madandari Antoine, who lives in Agatare Village in Karitutu Cell, said the restrictions had left residents unable to repair even houses that were close to collapsing.
“If you have a house that is about to collapse, you are not allowed to renovate it. Someone might also want to sell a small portion of their land to improve their livelihood, but they cannot find a buyer because construction is prohibited across the area. If you try to build, the structures are demolished. We ask the authorities to help us because two years is a long time,” he said.
Munyemana Gervais, a resident of Kidogo Village in Nyarusange Cell, said plots had been demarcated and roads laid out in his area, but the site development work had not been completed.
He said residents had also been prevented from continuing to farm the land because it had been designated for residential development. He called for the site preparation work to be expedited so that people who qualify to build can proceed with their plans.
Rwamagana District Mayor Mbonyumuvunyi Radjab said that the authorities were aware of the problem and attributed the delay largely to the slow pace of work by a contractor selected by residents to prepare the sites.
“Site committees are responsible for finding the contractors they work with. The one they selected was moving very slowly, but last week he completed the work, and we have sent the plans to the Ministry of Environment for approval,” he said.
The mayor said the plans had finally been completed after two years of waiting and that the district hoped to receive a response from the ministry soon.
He said the plans cover sites in Nyarusange, Karitutu and Nsinda.
According to Mbonyumuvunyi, once the Ministry of Environment approves the plans, they will be submitted to the district council for further approval. Residents will be allowed to resume construction after that process is completed.
