The Minister of Infrastructure, Dr Jimmy Gasore, presented the policy to the Chamber of Deputies, saying it seeks to ensure sustainable, well-planned, and inclusive cities while tackling informal settlements.
The plan aims to increase the proportion of citizens living in urban areas from 27.9% in 2022 to 52% by 2035 and 70% by 2050.
The policy also targets the improvement of existing informal settlements and the creation of safe, economically vibrant, and environmentally friendly cities. It is based on four key pillars: collaboration between government institutions, the private sector and partners; efficient use of land through high-density settlements; improved social welfare; and economic development.
Defining affordable housing
During the parliamentary session, MP Izere Ingrid Marie Parfaite asked what affordable housing means for Rwandans, noting that homes currently cost between Frw 25 million and Frw 40 million, which remain beyond the reach of many citizens.
Dr Gasore explained that housing affordability is usually measured by whether a household pays more than one-third of its income on housing.
'If you rent a house and pay more than a third of your income, you are living in an expensive house. If you take a loan and pay more than a third of your income, you are in an expensive house. That is why, when we talk about affordable housing, we look at the lowest possible cost at which a house can be provided here in Kigali and still be affordable," he said.
Dr Gasore noted that, given current income levels and construction costs, strict international affordability standards may not always be feasible in Rwanda.
"Today, the houses costing between Frw 25 million and Frw 40 million are what we consider affordable. We are not strictly following the one-third rule; rather, we are looking at what is technically feasible while keeping in mind that there are people who do not have that money and still need a place to live," he added.
Plans also include providing one-room units for rent to accommodate low-income earners, ensuring access to housing even for those who cannot afford to purchase a home.
"Once the houses are built, we will also provide single-room units that people can rent according to their means," the Minister noted.
Urban living standards
Dr Gasore also highlighted that city residents must adjust to urban realities, including shared accommodation arrangements.
'People have to accept that in the city, they will live as city residents. There are things we must accept and prepare for accordingly,' he said.
He further emphasised that lowering rental costs will require greater government involvement in housing construction and increasing the overall supply of urban homes.
IGIHE
