Rwanda’s Minister of Local Government, Dominique Habimana, has warned that authorities will not tolerate improper waste disposal, particularly by businesses that dump waste into drainage channels and waterways.
He made the remarks on Sunday, September 20, 2026, during activities marking the International Day dedicated to cleaning residential areas. The event was held at Nyabugogo Bus Station under the theme “Kigali Free from Waste.”
Minister Habimana joined Kigali City authorities and residents in cleaning the Nyabugogo commercial area and urged them to maintain high standards of cleanliness in other parts of the city and across the country.
“Cleanliness is one of the characteristics of Kigali residents and Rwandans in general. We urge residents to continue working with authorities to maintain cleanliness in Kigali and elsewhere in the country,” he said.
He reminded Kigali residents to avoid dumping waste indiscriminately and to adopt proper waste-sorting practices, including separating biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. He also urged residents to enter into agreements with waste collectors.
The minister warned against people secretly dumping waste at night, stressing that such practices are prohibited and punishable under the law.
“We will not tolerate people who take waste out of their premises and direct it into drainage channels or streams, or those who fail to maintain the cleanliness of their commercial buildings,” Habimana said.
He also reminded owners of commercial properties that they are responsible for ensuring that their buildings have proper and functional waste-management systems. This includes facilities for collecting and handling waste, unclogged drainage systems, proper wastewater and toilet sewage systems, and designated areas for waste disposal.
Habimana called on residents to work closely with authorities by reporting sanitation-related problems they encounter so that they can be investigated and addressed.
The cleaning activities brought together authorities and residents working in and around Nyabugogo, with participants cleaning various parts of the area.
