Residents living near the Muhanga Industrial Zone, particularly in Gihuma Village, Gahogo Cell, Nyamabuye Sector, have raised serious concerns over a rise in livestock theft, which they attribute to the loud noise emanating from nearby factories.
According to the residents, machinery in the industrial park runs at full volume throughout the night, drowning out the warning sounds of their animals and enabling thieves to strike undetected. In response, some households have begun keeping their livestock inside their homes overnight to protect them.
Consolée Mukandayisenga, a resident of Gihuma, described the challenges.
“The machines in the industrial zone run non-stop through the night. The noise is so loud that we cannot hear when our animals start making alarm sounds. We have started bringing them into our homes to keep them near us.” She said
Consolée Mukandayisenga, a resident living near near the Muhanga Industrial Zone
Another local resident, Tharcisse Ntakirutimana, highlighted the financial toll of repeated thefts:
“In the past three months, I have lost two cows and one goat. We used to rely on income from livestock to pay our children’s school fees, but now we are facing serious financial hardship.” He explained.
Leoncia Mukamana said that despite formally requesting relocation from district authorities, residents have received little to no meaningful response.
“We submitted a request for relocation and compensation three years ago, but we have heard nothing. It is depressing to live somewhere without security.”
She further noted that persistent noise from the industrial zone has disrupted children’s ability to rest and study. “The children cannot sleep at night, so they go to school tired. We live under constant noise and fear. Our only ask is to be relocated,” She added.
Ngirababyeyi Solange emphasized the severity of their living conditions. “If you sleep lightly because of the noise, you’re always worried that thieves are close to your home. We are living in very difficult conditions and ask the authorities to help us relocate so we can live decently like others.”
Jean Claude Nshimiyimana, Executive Secretary of Nyamabuye Sector, acknowledged the problem and confirmed that local authorities are coordinating with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM) on relocation plans.
“This issue is known and has existed for some time. We continue to advocate on behalf of residents within MINICOM because that ministry is responsible for compensation,” he said.
Nshimiyimana explained that compensation is being paid in phases as funding becomes available. Some households have already received payouts and been relocated. He urged remaining residents to submit any outstanding documentation to avoid delays.
Between 2022 and 2024, over RWF 2.007 billion has been paid in compensation to residents relocated from the Muhanga Industrial Zone.
