FPR-Inkotanyi Commissioner Habonimana Charles has criticized local leaders in Nyarugenge District for destroying citizens’ bean crops, describing such actions as the result of unilateral decision-making rather than coordinated governance.
He spoke during the FPR-Inkotanyi general assembly in Nyarugenge, emphasizing that leaders should consult with relevant authorities and the community before taking actions that significantly impact residents.
The remarks follow an incident on March 16 in Rugarama Cell, Nyamirambo Sector, where local security and sanitation officials uprooted nearly-ripe bean crops, claiming they were planted illegally. Workers who carried out the destruction also scattered flowers and pasiparume on the cleared fields.
Residents expressed anger and disappointment, noting that the beans were only a month from maturity. They argued that authorities should have allowed the crops to ripen and be harvested properly before imposing restrictions on further planting.
Commissioner Habonimana described the destruction as an “unjustified and careless decision,” warning that such acts not only harm citizens’ livelihoods but also undermine national economic interests and public trust.
He said, “If officials claim the soil should not be used in certain areas, that does not justify uprooting beans that are about to mature. Neglecting consultation and proper planning destroys both the economy and the sanitation objectives we aim to achieve.”
Residents decried the action as inhumane, especially given that the beans were nearly ripe. Many noted that if the goal was to plant grass or other greenery, authorities could have first allowed the crops to mature before proceeding.
The City of Kigali maintains that farming along road edges is prohibited, while citizens argue that they plant in designated areas and that destruction without notice causes unnecessary losses and hardship.
