The City of Kigali announced Tuesday the approval of nine new settlement sites in the Gasabo District, paving the way for the issuance of construction permits and an increase in organized housing.
The City of Kigali estimates that 60% of its population currently lives in informal settlements vulnerable to climate change risks. The city aims to reduce this figure to 20% by 2035. The nine newly approved sites offer nearly 40,000 land plots for purchase, according to a city announcement.
“These sites have been approved by the City Council and provide buyers with immediate construction permits aligned with the Kigali City Master Plan,” the statement said.
The newly approved settlement sites include Gatunda and Gasanze Phase 3 in the Nduba sector; Gisasa and Masizi in the Bumbogo sector; Masoro Phase 2 and Rudashya in Ndera; and Nyagihanga Phases 1, 2, and 7 in Rusororo.
Landowners in Kigali have long expressed frustration with delays in obtaining construction permits for residential houses. These delays are primarily caused by the lack of physical plans for designated residential zones, despite such areas being outlined in the Kigali City Master Plan.
Physical plans are well-designed settlement sites that include essential infrastructure such as public services, drainage systems, transportation networks, economic hubs, recreational areas, and environmental protections. According to the National Land Authority, construction permits cannot be issued in residential zones until physical plans are established.
“The establishment of physical plans is crucial to ensuring residents can access construction permits and build decent housing,” the National Land Authority said.
The Kigali City Master Plan, which governs land use and settlement development, is being implemented in two phases. Phase One spans from 2020 to 2035, and Phase Two runs from 2035 to 2050. The rollout of physical plans varies by district, with some areas already having plans in place while others await development based on budget availability.
By approving these new settlement sites, Kigali takes a step forward in addressing the housing shortage and advancing its long-term vision for sustainable and climate-resilient urban development.