Residents of Masaka Allowed to Sell Land Designated for Industrial Development

Residents of Gitaraga, in Masaka Sector, Kicukiro District, say they are optimistic about new opportunities for economic development after being informed of plans to establish an industrial park on their land, where investors will be able to purchase plots through agreements with their owners.

The residents say they had spent nearly two years without being allowed to undertake developments on their immovable property, including renovating old houses, because the area had been designated for industrial development.

However, they say the recent clarification that they can negotiate directly with investors interested in purchasing their land has renewed their hopes of benefiting economically from their property and accessing new employment opportunities.

One of the residents said:
“Although we had not been making progress despite owning land that could have helped us improve our livelihoods, we are now hopeful that the establishment of the industrial site will bring development to residents living in the area.

What makes this arrangement special is that we retain ownership rights over our land and can negotiate with investors to reach agreements that suit us. Another advantage is that, since we live nearby, we will have opportunities to find employment.”

The plan to establish an industrial park on the land has already been approved, and residents have been briefed on how the project will be implemented and the opportunities it is expected to create.

Mclare Musoni Aloysious, Chairperson of the Gitaraga Site Committee, said investors interested in establishing industries in the area have been given the green light to begin identifying suitable plots and negotiating directly with landowners.

He highlighted the area’s strategic advantages, particularly the planned infrastructure developments, which are expected to facilitate business operations, transportation and investment.

He said:“A road connecting this area to Bugesera International Airport will pass through here, making it easier for investors to transport raw materials and export their products.

In addition, a railway station is planned for this area. These are some of the factors that make it particularly attractive to investors. We are therefore encouraging both local and foreign investors to come and invest because the area has been prepared for them.”

The Ministry of Trade and Industry has indicated that Gitaraga is among 13 designated industrial parks established under a programme aimed at relocating industries currently operating in areas not designated for industrial activities.

Shema Elisa, an official in charge of infrastructure in industrial parks at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, said the new industrial park presents investment opportunities for Masaka Sector and the surrounding area.

She explained that the master plan for the industrial park has already been approved, adding that residents are being encouraged to facilitate the process of land acquisition and transfer to investors to enable the planned developments to move forward.
She said:

“The master plan has been approved, and we have also asked residents to cooperate with the government and investors in facilitating access to land and the transfer of ownership from residents to investors. However, residents who own land in this area and wish to establish their own businesses are also allowed to do so. They can equally invest by setting up the industrial facilities of their choice.”

The Gitaraga Industrial Park is expected to comprise 350 plots spread across 296 hectares. It is expected to become one of the industrial zones supporting better land-use planning, the relocation of industries operating in unsuitable areas and improved access to land for investors.

Rwanda also has other designated industrial parks, including the Masoro Industrial Park in Kigali and the Bugesera Industrial Park in the Eastern Province. These are complemented by other industrial parks in secondary cities and more than 200 additional industrial zones across different districts.

As preparations for the establishment of the Gitaraga Industrial Park continue, residents hope the project will enable them to make better use of their land, create employment opportunities and improve their livelihoods.

For investors, the industrial park is expected to provide easier access to land and essential infrastructure needed to establish and operate industrial businesses.

Written by Zawadi Deborah Irakoze 

Src:RBA