In Rukoba, in the suburbs of the town of Gitega, the owners of the plots find themselves in an ambiguous situation. In 2023, the administration took a measure suspending the construction and sale of plots located in certain peripheral localities of this city. Owners are wondering when they will be able to use their property as they wish, given that the consequences of this ban are not lacking.
Abandoned projects are visible on the Kimanga, Rukoba and Kabashikira hills located in the rural area of the Gitega commune and province. The inhabitants face a problem: they have been prohibited from building on their own land. They can’t even sell them. This measure is not unanimous among those concerned. In 2023, the President of the Republic had nevertheless instructed the Burundian Office of Urban Planning, Housing and Construction (OBUHA) to do everything possible to make these areas viable and allow the owners of the plots to use them. exploit freely. He had demanded that this work be completed as quickly as possible. However, despite these directives, nothing has changed. An entire year has passed, but the problem remains, leaving residents in uncertainty.
David Niyonkuru, a resident of Rukoba, describes his despair over this situation. “ My father gave me a piece of land so I could build a house so I could get married “, he laments. His project is at a standstill. He was supposed to get married last year, but due to the restriction on the use of this land, his dream is on hold. He adds: “ We no longer know which way to turn. Our own land is forbidden to us and we cannot even sell it ».
Waiting as the only alternative
Those who have invested their savings in the acquisition of plots can only wait. Charles Nkunzimana, another resident of Rukoba, had bought a plot of land to build his house. Today he finds it impossible to do so. “ I wanted to build a home there for my family, but this measure complicated my project. “, he told us, visibly concerned by this situation.
The frustration of residents is palpable. “ How can we live if our land, our goods cannot serve us? », asks Charles. These restrictions imposed without prior consultation have direct consequences on the economic and social well-being of Rukoba residents. The absence of alternatives or solutions is not likely to reassure them.
The only consolation: the value of the plots will increase
The question that arises is how long they will have to wait before regaining their rights to their plots. In October 2024, in a public broadcast which took place in Bururi, the spokesperson for the ministry responsible for Infrastructure wanted to reassure the inhabitants of Kukabashikira and Kimanga, affirming that the work of OBUHA had been completed and that plot owners only had to request the necessary documents to use them freely, in a spirit of self-development. Concerning the residents of Rukoba, he assured that the Ministry of Urbanization was finalizing the development plans, and that after the development, the neighborhood would be beautified, thus increasing the value of the plots.
However, despite this optimism, some remain skeptical. Although promises have been made regarding the imminent completion of the work, the population remains perplexed and skeptical. The uncertainty has not completely disappeared for those who own plots there. Hopefully the situation will change quickly and they will be able to use their property as they wish. This is all the misfortune we wish them.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Urban Development Expert, Dr. Nadine Hakizimana
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Hakizimana. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the ongoing situation in Rukoba. It seems like the residents there are facing some significant challenges, particularly regarding land use restrictions imposed by the local administration.
Dr. Nadine Hakizimana: Good morning! I’m glad to be here. Yes, the situation in Rukoba is quite concerning. The suspension of construction and sales of land has left many local residents in a state of uncertainty, and it’s crucial to address the implications of such measures.
Time.news Editor: Can you help us understand the rationale behind this construction ban? What reasons are the authorities citing for this decision?
Dr. Hakizimana: The local administration often cites urban planning and environmental concerns as primary reasons for suspending construction. They believe that certain areas may not be viable for development due to issues like inadequate infrastructure or potential environmental hazards. However, the lack of clear communication and consultation with residents has exacerbated frustrations.
Time.news Editor: That makes sense. I understand that despite presidential directives to make these areas viable for construction, little has changed over the past year. Why do you think there is such a disconnect between government directives and actual implementation?
Dr. Hakizimana: This disconnect is not uncommon in many regions, especially where bureaucratic structures are weak. Often, directives can get lost in red tape, or there may be insufficient resources allocated for urban planning initiatives. This can lead to delays and unmet promises, leaving residents like David Niyonkuru and Charles Nkunzimana in limbo.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of the residents, David expressed his despair about the inability to build on land his father passed down to him, which is a deeply personal issue for many. What psychological and social impacts do you think this situation is having on the community?
Dr. Hakizimana: The emotional toll is significant. For many, land is not just property; it is a part of their identity and legacy. When they are unable to utilize their land, it can lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and even despair. This can strain social ties, especially when community members share aspirations for family homes or businesses that are now stalled.
Time.news Editor: That’s a powerful insight. How do you see these restrictions affecting the economic situation in Rukoba?
Dr. Hakizimana: The economic implications are dire. By preventing land development, the administration is, in effect, stifling local economic growth. Residents can’t invest in housing or businesses, which means lost opportunities for jobs and income. This can lead to broader economic stagnation in the community, adding to social disenfranchisement and potentially provoking unrest.
Time.news Editor: Given the current circumstances, what steps can community members take to advocate for their rights and seek solutions?
Dr. Hakizimana: Community organizing is key. Residents should come together to form a coalition that represents their interests, voicing their concerns to local officials and holding them accountable. Engaging in dialogue—with the support of NGOs or urban planning experts—can also raise awareness about their plight and push for the necessary changes. Legal action could be a last resort but may be necessary if their rights continue to be ignored.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your expertise, Dr. Hakizimana. It sounds like a challenging road ahead for the residents of Rukoba, but collective action may bring about the change they need.
Dr. Hakizimana: Indeed. It will require persistence and unity, but communities can succeed in advocating for their rights and finding solutions to these pressing issues. Thank you for shining a light on this situation.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights today. We hope for a positive resolution for the residents of Rukoba soon.
