Residents in several neighborhoods of Muhanga City are raising concerns over the growing piles of uncollected waste, accusing Agruni Company (the firm contracted to manage household garbage) of failing to fulfil its responsibilities.
People living in Nyamabuye Sector, specifically in villages such as Ruvumera, Kamugina, Nyabisindu, Nyarucyamu, and Ruhina, told ICK News that it has been three to four weeks since garbage was last collected. They say the situation is becoming a health risk as waste rots near their homes.
“We pay every month as we agreed, and local leaders always remind us about maintaining hygiene,” said Pholomina Uwabega, a resident of Ruhina. “But now we are disappointed because the trash is just accumulating.”
Another resident from Kamugina Village, Uwihanganye, said they have repeatedly reported the issue to the leadership at village, cell, and sector levels but have received no solution so far.
Agruni Company was awarded the contract to collect both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste from households across Muhanga town. Residents who have active service agreements say they do not understand why the company has suddenly stopped collecting garbage.
The Executive Secretary of Nyamabuye Sector, Jean Claude Nshimiyimana, confirmed receiving complaints from residents and acknowledged the seriousness of the issue. He said the sector has already engaged Agruni to ensure immediate action.
“We recommended that this problem must be resolved quickly. If the company continues to neglect its obligations, we will consider other options, including assigning the contract to another capable service provider,” he said.
Nshimiyimana added that leaders personally visited affected areas and found that the residents’ claims were true.
“There is no justified reason for failing to collect waste while they have all the necessary vehicles. They must either resume their duties or give way to another company that can perform better,” he emphasized.
Efforts to get a comment from Agruni Company were unsuccessful, as calls to its accountant went unanswered by the time this story was published.
Some residents are complaining about rotting waste, which could pose health risks.
Author: Junior Ngabo