Gov't to relocate 11 island communities over safety concerns #rwanda #RwOT

The announcement was made on June 16 by the Minister of State for Local Government, Marie Solange Kayisire, while addressing the Senate's Committee on Social Affairs and Human Rights.

The state minister revealed that, of Rwanda's 60 islands, only 14 are currently inhabited. Following the planned relocations, only three islands, Nkombo, Bugarura, and Birwa, will remain settled.

'These relocations are necessary. The geography of these islands poses serious risks to residents, and delivering services like clean water, electricity, and healthcare is often more expensive than resettlement itself,' Kayisire explained.

The relocation will affect more than 4,600 households, impacting over 25,000 people.

The islands earmarked for resettlement include Mwegerera and Mukira in Musanze District; Munanira and Bigwa in Burera; Sharita and Mazane in Bugesera; Gihaya in Rusizi; and Mushungo, Muzira, Kirehe, Ruzi, and Tereri in Nyamasheke District.

In Musanze's Mwegerera and Mukira islands, 38 families rely on boats to ferry their children to schools on the mainland, while in Bigwa, 78 families live without stable solar power and basic infrastructure.

Kayisire said the relocation process has already begun in some areas. For instance, 26 families have started moving from Munanira, with costs estimated at Rwf127.6 million. In Sharita, 212 families were previously relocated under government IDP programmes, with 84 families still awaiting relocation. The district requires Rwf2.5 billion to complete the process.

Lawmakers welcomed the plan but called for fair compensation and detailed demographic planning.

'We need to know the numbers of women, children, and elders involved so we can design appropriate support,' said Senator Jean Pierre Dusingizemungu.

Kayisire emphasised that relocated families are being integrated into government social protection programmes like Girinka and income-generating initiatives.

'We are not only offering safer environments but ensuring long-term support and resilience for these communities,' she said.

The government has announced plans to resettle residents from 11 inhabited islands across the country, citing safety risks and the unsustainable cost of delivering essential services.

IGIHE

Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/gov-t-to-relocate-11-island-communities-over-safety-concerns