The City of Kigali has warned that buildings that fail to meet hygiene, sanitation and environmental standards will continue to face closure until they address the violations identified during inspections.
The warning follows inspections of 60 buildings, of which only 14 were found to meet the required hygiene standards, according to city authorities.
City of Kigali spokesperson Ntirenganya Emma Claudine said inspections of buildings accommodating large numbers of people are ongoing, with enforcement measures to be taken against facilities that fail to comply.
She said such buildings must have properly managed waste disposal facilities, wastewater collection systems and appropriate mechanisms for treating wastewater before it is discharged.
“Simply constructing wastewater collection pits is not enough. They must be checked to ensure they are not filled with waste, with inspections conducted every three months. Restaurants and hotels should have their systems checked at least every week,” Ntirenganya said.
The city has also raised concerns over unpleasant odours reported in parts of Kigali, which it links partly to inadequate wastewater and waste-management systems in some large buildings.
The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) oversees the licensing of companies involved in constructing wastewater treatment facilities serving large buildings. Developers are required to provide details of planned wastewater-management systems, which are assessed by qualified personnel.
Inkundamahoro reopened after corrective measures
The City of Kigali has already taken action against buildings found to be failing to meet required standards.
Inkundamahoro Building was temporarily closed on August 8 over safety, sanitation and environmental concerns. It was reopened on August 11 after management began implementing corrective measures.
The city said reopening did not mean all identified problems had been resolved, and management was required to continue improving wastewater management, waste collection and disposal, as well as the general condition of the building.
Kigali authorities have warned that buildings and operators that fail to comply with inspection directives could face further enforcement action.
The city is urging building owners and managers to address sanitation shortcomings before inspections result in closures, as it continues efforts to maintain a clean, safe and healthy urban environment.
