By VOM News Team.
A section of the public from Kisoro District have taken to social media to vehemently protest a decision by the Local Government to grant a local businessman an access road through Shaaza Playground in Kisoro Municipality.
It has been more than two weeks since road construction works behind one of the goal posts leading to a property owned by Businessman, Rwendeye Hamza Kent have been ongoing.
Deputy Speaker for Kisoro Municipality Joachim Hashakimana was the first to post a photo on social media explaining how an inquest needed to be launched into the alleged land grab of at Shaaza Playground.
Shaaza Playground, which belongs to the District Local Government is the largest football pitch located in Kisoro Municipality.
The sheer size and strategic location of Shaaza Playground in the heart of Kisoro town easily makes it the number one choice to host football tournaments, Political rallies and other social events.
Recent developments have since sparked a hot debate as to whether District Leaders including the Kisoro District LCV Chairperson Abel Bizimana, the Chief Administrative Officer Hajji Badru Majwala and members of the District Council could have been involved in some dubious dealings.
Rwendeye Hamza Kent Speaks out.
Indaro Hotel Owner Rwendeye Hamza says his desire to have an access road to his properties including Plot 180, 181 and 198 along Cyanika road adjacent to Shaaza Playground can be traced back to his ancestors who offered the playground land to the Shaaza Chief in the early 1900s.
“As the grandchildren of the Late Bangamwabo, it is within our right to have access to the right of way because we owned the land and have never done anything to suggest that we wish to claim parts of it for our personal gains, Rwendeye explained.
In the month of May 2023, Rwendeye acquired a certificate of incorporation for Indaro Hotel Limited. His dream of owning a modern tourism site was now within reach however he needed an access road to his construction site.
A document dated June 23rd, 2023, titled Application for Access Road was written to the Chief Administrative Officer, authored by one Rwendeye who expressed interest in developing his site however he needed an access room of at least 4 meters from one side of the football pitch.
The document that also had a list of 16 names was also shared with the Office of the Resident District Commissioner.
Later that year, during a District Council meeting on October 2nd, 2023, the councilors unanimously approved Mr. Rwendeye’s request under minute 06/DLC/2023/24
“Under paragraph ‘E’ motion for approval of a community access road at Shaaza Playground shall be granted.
Hon. Agaba James seconded the Motion and Hon. Mbyariyehe Edson moved the motion that the Submission be approved.
According to Rwendeye, the access room is simply part of a bigger plan by the Kisoro District Local Government to develop Shaaza Playground into a modern facility.
Kisoro District Chief Administrative Officer Hajji Badru Majwala said people should not be misled by some individuals on social media who wish to create confusion in the public.
Kisoro District LCV Chairperson Abel Bizimana says the public must desist from believing misinformation that comes from people who call themselves educated and elite, yet they cannot seek guidance and information from the right offices.
He further explained that plans to expand and develop Shaaza into a modern sports complex are underway with support from Dr. Mbonye who volunteered to develop an architectural plan for the future stadium.
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