The City of Kigali has intensified construction inspections and warned property owners and builders to comply with building regulations, following the identification of multiple projects with permit and construction-standard violations.
The warning follows the reported partial collapse of a three-storey house under construction in Nyabugogo Sector, Nyarugenge District, before it was completed.
The building, located in Karama Village, reportedly developed structural problems that raised concerns among the owner and neighbouring residents. The owner told Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) that the incident resulted from mistakes by technicians involved in the construction.
The case has renewed attention to the importance of professional supervision and compliance with approved building standards. The City of Kigali says its building inspection system is designed to protect public safety, property and compliance with authorised construction plans.
In Kicukiro District, another construction project was stopped after inspectors found that the developer did not have the required building permit. The matter later resulted in legal proceedings after the developer allegedly presented forged documents.
City of Kigali spokesperson Emma Claudine Ntirenganya said authorities stop construction when they find that a project lacks the required permit.
“During inspections in Kigali, when we find a building without a permit, we stop construction and ask the owner to obtain the necessary documents,” she said, adding that the particular case proceeded to court after forged documents were allegedly presented.
Engineers urged to uphold professional standards
Mbanza Philbert, head of the engineers’ professional body, urged engineers to maintain professional standards and avoid the use of substandard construction materials.
He said discussions were underway on strengthening accountability in the construction sector, including ensuring that engineers who withdraw from projects are no longer held responsible for work carried out after their departure.
“We are discussing a system under which an engineer can be removed from a project. We want an engineer who applied for the permit to be able to withdraw, so that if the owner continues the project, the engineer is no longer held responsible and is no longer involved in it,” Mbanza said.
364 buildings inspected
According to figures provided by the City of Kigali, 364 buildings had been inspected since July.
Of these, 333 had valid construction permits, while 30 had no permits and one had an expired permit.
Inspectors also identified other compliance problems in some buildings and instructed owners to correct them. Other projects were ordered to stop until they meet the required standards, with authorities warning that buildings that fail to comply could face demolition.
The City of Kigali requires buildings to undergo inspections at different stages of construction, including before construction, during construction and after completion. The inspection process is intended to ensure compliance with approved plans and building regulations and to safeguard public health and safety.
The latest inspections underscore the need for property owners to obtain the necessary permits, use qualified professionals and follow approved designs throughout the construction process to prevent structural failures and costly losses.
