At a campaign rally in Nyamagabe and Nyaruguru districts on July 7, the Green Party, led by its presidential candidate Frank Habineza and parliamentary hopefuls, pledged to reform the expropriation process if elected.
Habineza assured citizens that the party plans to address issues related to expropriation fees. “There are ongoing problems with the timely receipt of expropriation fees and the amounts not reflecting current market prices. People may receive valuations three years before the actual payment according to market rates,” he said. He referenced a case in Kangondo where residents argued in court that their compensation did not reflect market prices.
Small Factories in Every Sector
Among other pledges, Habineza promised to establish small factories in every sector based on local specialties and unique resources. “In Nyaruguru, I learned that you produce a lot of milk. If you vote for us, we will build a factory to process milk products, addressing the issue of having no place to process the excess milk,” he said. He also highlighted the potential for Irish potato and tea factories to add value and help develop the area.
Additional promises included building necessary roads in Nyamagabe and increasing access to clean water. The party’s key priorities also include reducing youth unemployment, creating funds to support various sectors such as justice and agriculture, and reducing VAT taxes.