AMOS K
Residents of Buhingiro Cell in Nyakabungo Town Council, Kanungu District, have expressed frustration over the destruction of their property in the name of bringing electricity services to the area.
The project, which was initiated by the government, has stalled for about three years, leaving affected residents without the promised electricity and compensation for their losses.
Speaking to our reporter, Kedress Tumuramye, the LC1 Chairperson of Buhingiro Cell, stated that residents’ properties were destroyed with the promise of compensation, but to date, they have not received a single coin. She noted that this frustration has led to conflicts, with some residents confronting electricity personnel over what they believe were false promises.
Bright Tabaruka, a resident of Buhingiro Cell, also expressed disappointment, saying that they were promised compensation last year, but nothing has been done. He explained that many families still lack access to electricity poles and are now being charged exorbitantly to have them installed near their homes. Additionally, he noted that banana plantations and other crops were destroyed during the process, yet no compensation has been provided.
Medius Katembeya, the Deputy Speaker of Nyakabungo Town Council, echoed residents’ concerns, stating that people have suffered property loss without receiving electricity services. She mentioned that as local leaders, they have written to the responsible authorities, urging them to ensure that residents are compensated and that the electricity project is completed.
Meanwhile, Elias Komwani, the District Councilor for Nyakabungo Town Council, acknowledged that there was a misinterpretation after a certain agency registered people for compensation but failed to fulfill its commitment. He assured residents that leaders are following up on the matter to ensure that compensation is delivered.
Residents are now calling on the relevant authorities to intervene before the situation escalates further.
