Rwanda bans commercial activities in residential premises

Rwanda has issued a directive to all businesses and nongovernmental organizations operating in residential premises to relocate to areas designated specifically for commercial and office purposes, according to the city of Kigali.

More than 900 businesses including shops, offices, NGOs, and hotels currently operating in residential areas in the Capital Kigali have been given until April 1 to have relocated to commercial zones of the city.

Business owners who have paid for more than three months will be allowed to operate until the expiry of their dues.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Parfait Busabizwa, vice mayor in charge of economic development, Kigali city, said that the move aims at promoting efficient, secure and hygienic working environment.

"Residential homes have been turned into commercial places which were affecting the businesses in commercial areas. There is not enough space, no security, no hygiene and this means residential zones can hardly offer quality services," he added.

Busabizwa pointed out that eviction notices had been issued to people operating their businesses in residential areas to vacate and secure premises in commercial zones around the Kigali city.

"The move is also in line with implementing the City Master Plan to ensure that every building serves the purpose for which it was built," he noted.

According to the city of Kigali authority, residential areas were being used for various commercial activities such as guesthouses, schools, beauty parlors, clinics, gyms, furniture shops and even car showrooms among others which pose a threat to safety and security in residential areas.

The Kigali City Master Plan, which has been in place for the past few years, has clear zoning guidelines that show what areas are for commercial, residential or dual purposes, and what kinds of businesses can operate from specific areas.

However, business operators in residential homes are worried of rental fees in several commercial buildings in the city, arguing that rental costs of commercial buildings are exorbitant.

"This is good news for investors in commercial properties who have complained of low levels of occupancy, and for people looking for more affordable homes to live in residential areas," said Gerald Nkusi Mukubu, chief advocacy officer, Rwanda Private Sector Federation.

Mukubu noted that there were enough commercial structures across the capital Kigali and businesses operating in residential buildings should relocate and occupy such buildings.

He cited investments such as Kigali Heights, CHIC Complex, M. Peace Plaza, towers built by Rwanda Social Security, among others, that they say are not fully occupied. Endit