Less Than 500 “Affordable” Houses Built So Far

A vigorous campaign to avail what are described as “affordable” houses for low income earners at cost of less than Rwf17m is taking longer to yield results than anticipated.

The Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), a government agency driving the program involving mainly private players, says so far less than 500 such houses have been completed.

On Monday, pan-African finance institution Shelter Afrique unveiled a $50m project to construct 3,000 houses in two Kigali suburbs of Nyamirambo and Rebero.

The varied units will cost between Rwf 12m-35m ($14,000-$38,000), and some will be available in the next six months, say the team behind the project.

Speaking at this groundbreaking event, officials from RHA said the need for affordable housing is 500,000 units across the whole country.

Data also shows that 15,000 units are still in project phase, yet to be implemented.

Government has committed to set up all the necessary infrustructure like roads, electricity, schools and health center near housing projects by the private sector.

With these provided, a housing unit with up to 3 rooms that would have cost more than Rwf 30m, sees price dropping significantly to less than Rwf20m.

A government strategy plan for 2034 has set the ambition of having every Rwandan family living in a descent home by that period.