Government determined to address prolonged Ngara land dispute
KAGERA: The government has pledged to address a prolonged land dispute between residents of Rusumo Village and the Prison Force in Ngara District, Kagera Region.
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Daniel Sillo, made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing Rusumo residents in Ngara District during his visit.
He assured them that the government is attentive to their concerns and that the issue will be presented at upcoming decision-making committee meetings for resolution.
He also emphasized that the government is determined to ensure a swift and fair resolution to the dispute.
During the visit to the Rusumo border customs, Mr. Sillo revealed that the government has allocated $100 million for the purchase of firefighting and rescue vehicles aimed at improving emergency response capabilities, particularly at critical locations like the Rusumo border customs station, which serves Tanzania and Rwanda.
He said the government’s intervention in both the land dispute and emergency response capabilities reflects a broader commitment to addressing local issues and enhancing public safety.
On his part, Member of Parliament for Ngara Constituency, Mr. Ndaisaba Ruhoro, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating that the land dispute has significantly impeded local development and the ability of residents to engage in economic activities.
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He noted that the conflict has persisted for over 18 years, hindering local economic activities.
“This dispute has created significant challenges for our people. We urge the government to put more effort into resolving the issue so that the community can thrive economically,” he noted.
According to the lawmaker, the Rusumo border customs frequently experiences truck accidents, with some vehicles catching fire, underscoring the need for adequate firefighting and rescue resources.
“The Rusumo area is characterized by steep slopes and inclines, with accidents occurring approximately every three days, and vehicles often catching fire. We need resources to rescue these trucks,” he insisted.
