Residents of Rubengera Sector, Bubazi Cell in Karongi District, are calling for compensation after their crops were destroyed to make way for the construction of a pedestrian skywalk. These residents claim they have waited for a long time, having submitted all the necessary documents, but are yet to receive their payments.
Nyirabajyambere Josephine, a resident of Makurungwe Village in Bubazi, along with her neighbors, is demanding compensation for the crops that were destroyed during the construction of the skywalk.
The residents explain that the delay in payments has had severe consequences, leaving them with no means to sustain themselves, as their farmland was cleared for the project. Nyiramihinda Doreth expressed her frustration: “Look at how things are. They came and cleared everything to build. We are now starving, and we have children in school and medical insurance to pay. They tell us the money is available, but when we go to the bank, it hasn’t arrived. I was promised a million Rwandan francs, please help us get our money.”
She added, “They should give us the money so we can buy new crops or find other ways to improve our lives. Since April this year, they’ve been saying they’ll pay us, but we still haven’t seen the money.”
Another affected resident, Nakure Martine, who lost crops such as cassava and eggplants, is seeking compensation amounting to RWF 500,000, as assessed by the Karongi District valuer. “Since they destroyed my crops to build the skywalk, I have nowhere else to farm. I have gone to ask for my money at least seven times, but I haven’t received it. I ask that they pay me for my crops,” she said.
Anastase Safari, head of the Karongi District One Stop Center, explained that they are working hard to ensure all affected residents are compensated, but some delays were due to residents lacking proper land documentation. “Those who haven’t been paid are missing the required land documents, which means they need to obtain them first. Compensation is only given to those with proper documentation,” he said.
Josue Insonere, the district valuer responsible for compensating the affected residents, confirmed that seven residents are due for compensation, with a total amount of RWF 4,649,837 to be distributed for the 1,562 square meters of land affected.
The pedestrian skywalk connects residents in Rubengera Sector, Bubazi Cell, and is expected to improve access in the area.