Missenyi District Councillors Stand United with DED John Paul Wanga.Photo: Courtesy
By Mutayoba Arbogast
Kagera-Missenyi District Council has urged residents planning to build homes or invest in the rapidly expanding areas of Kyaka, Bunazi, and Mutukula to apply for building permits in line with the district’s ambitious land development plan. The call was made by Missenyi District Executive Director, Advocate John Paul Wanga, in response to inquiries from members of the "Missenyi na Maendeleo" WhatsApp group.
Advocate Wanga emphasized that unregulated construction could lead to serious consequences, such as buildings collapsing, obstructing water passages, and causing floods. "Adhering to urban planning procedures is not just about aesthetics but ensuring the safety and sustainability of our growing communities," he said. He added that for the 2024/25 fiscal year, the district council has allocated funds for land planning preparations, although specific figures were not disclosed, sparking further questions from residents.
In response to an inquiry by resident Nellius Rwezaura, Wanga explained the challenges in urban planning and infrastructure development. Rwezaura had raised concerns about Missenyi’s potential, pointing out that the district remains underdeveloped despite being strategically located on the intersection of the East and Central African highway. “Our district has the shortest network of paved roads, lacks street lights to facilitate nighttime business, and requires more security, being a border district. It’s a sleeping giant,” Rwezaura remarked, pressing for a clear strategic plan from district authorities.
One of the key issues, according to Wanga, is the lack of land title deeds among many residents in these small towns, which complicates the registration of new roads. This hinders the implementation of road maintenance projects under the District Road Maintenance System (DROMAS). He also pointed out that in previous years, road development had been slow. According to the Missenyi District Council website, by the end of the 2019/20 fiscal year, 77.98 kilometers of roads had been constructed, with only 1.6 kilometers being paved, at a cost of Sh741.9 million.
Wanga also highlighted the progress made in granting title deeds. By 2020, 46 villages had been surveyed, and 715 individuals were issued title deeds, while 2,552 plots had been measured. However, the slow pace of issuing title deeds remains a challenge for ongoing infrastructure development.
The issue of road development in Missenyi has long been a point of discussion. Kagera TANROADS Manager, Engineer Ntuli Mwaikokesya, noted earlier this year that the government had allocated more than Sh431.4 billion for roads and bridge infrastructure in the region. This investment includes four major construction projects, notably the Kitengule Bridge, which is crucial for Kagera Sugar Factory operations. Such infrastructure improvements are expected to open up economic opportunities and boost local incomes.
On the issue of lighting and urban security, Wanga praised Nkenge Member of Parliament, Florent Kyombo, for his continued efforts to have street lights installed in Kyaka, Bunazi, and Mutukula. He also confirmed that the government had approved funds for the installation of street lights in the current fiscal year, although the specific budget remains undisclosed.
Looking ahead, Wanga announced that the district council is preparing a comprehensive Missenyi Headquarters Development Master Plan. "This will be a participatory township plan, where all stakeholders, including residents, will be invited to share their views. Once completed, the plan will be approved by the relevant authorities by the Planning Act of 2007 and other related laws governing land, housing, and human development," he explained.
Wanga also urged residents unable to afford the cost of surveying their plots to consider partnering with plantation owners. "Residents should feel free to offer their land for compensation where the government plans to implement development projects," he said, emphasizing the need for residents to cooperate with ongoing development efforts to ensure that the district can grow in an orderly and sustainable manner.
The push for improved infrastructure and organized urban development comes at a crucial time for Missenyi. With its strategic location at the border and increasing investments, the district is poised for growth, but without careful planning and proper infrastructure, it risks missing out on its potential to become a vibrant hub for trade and development in the region.
This renewed focus on planning and development signals a shift in the district’s approach, aligning with national goals for sustainable urbanization and economic growth, as well as preparing Missenyi for the challenges and opportunities of the future.