Residents Living Near Rwamagana Industrial Zone Call for Relocation Over Toxic Smoke and Air Pollution

Residents living near the Rwamagana Industrial Zone, located in Mwurire Sector of Rwamagana District, are calling on authorities to provide lasting solutions, including possible relocation, due to persistent smoke, noise pollution, and foul air emitted by an animal feed processing factory operating in the area.

The affected residents say the problem has existed for a long time and continues to negatively impact their health and daily lives, particularly among young children and elderly people suffering from respiratory diseases. They report that smoke from the factory frequently spreads into their homes, making it difficult to breathe and disrupting normal living conditions.

MUKAMANA Claudine, a resident of Nyagasambu Cell in Mwurire Sector, says the smoke reaches their houses to the extent that they are sometimes unable to open their windows. “There are times when the smoke is so heavy that we cannot breathe properly, especially at night. Children suffer from persistent coughing, and we keep wondering where this situation will lead us,” said Mukamana Claudine.

Other residents also point out that, in addition to smoke pollution, excessive noise from factory machinery particularly during nighttime hours disturbs their peace and sense of security.

HABUMUREMYI Jean Bosco, who lives near the factory, explains that the noise often prevents people from getting enough rest. “When the machines start operating at night, the noise becomes unbearable. We do not get enough time to rest, and no one has ever come to explain why this keeps happening,” said Habumuremyi Jean Bosco.

The residents say they would prefer to be relocated, especially as the industrial zone continues to expand, or for strict and sustainable measures to be put in place to reduce smoke and noise pollution from the factory.

Some residents say they are willing to sell their land if offered fair compensation and relocated to safer areas where their health and well-being would not be at risk.

Rwamagana District authorities confirm that they are aware of the issue and say measures will be taken to inspect all industries operating within the industrial zone.

The Mayor of Rwamagana District, Mbonyumuvunyi Radjab, says thorough inspections will be conducted to determine whether industries comply with environmental protection and public health regulations. “We are going to carry out inspections in industries operating in this zone to identify those that negatively affect residents’ well-being. We will then work with relevant institutions to find a sustainable solution for the affected communities,” said Mbonyumuvunyi Radjab.

He added that no factory would be tolerated if found to be violating environmental protection regulations.

District authorities also revealed that the Rwamagana Industrial Zone currently covers an area of 80 hectares, with plans underway to expand it to 180 hectares.

The expansion plan could also benefit some nearby residents, as land may be purchased through mutual agreement, allowing for organized and fair relocation.

The district leadership emphasizes that the goal is to balance industrial development with the well-being of residents, ensuring that no group is left behind.

As residents continue to voice their concerns, they hope that the promises made by authorities will be implemented promptly to improve their living conditions.

They say they are ready to cooperate with local leaders and all relevant stakeholders, as long as their concerns are treated as a priority and addressed with urgency.