Rwanda is developing rapidly. Sixteen years ago the country lay in ruins, but today numerous new buildings are springing up around the country. There is hope that with development will come international investments and businesses, making it possible for the country to rely less on international aid money. But in cities like Kigali and Butare, the land for development is in high demand. To make way for new buildings, some residents have been forced to move from their homes to new settlements far from their work. While the development is attracting business investment, what is the economic impact on people who have been moved from their homes?
The Team:
Jean Clement MUHIRE KAMANZI
Claudine BARAKAMFITIYE
Prudent NSENGIYUMVA
The Budget: 57300 Rwandan Francs – $100
This morning I rose early to join J. Clement on the very first video shoot of our class. He had spent the weekend in Kigali, researching potential interviewees for a story he and his group are producing a story about the effects of the numerous construction projects in Kigali and Butare. All over these Rwanda’s cities, new buildings, including numerous elevator high-rises are sprouting up. The group will be talking to developers and builders about the business and economic opportunities resulting from the housing boom. They will also spend time with people who have had to move off their land to make way for the new buildings. That’s what we did this morning. We went to the site where Theresa’s house once stood. It is close to the land where she cultivates maize. But when developers of a much-needed medical school were seeking land, she was offered money to move. She moved, but her new home is a two hour walk from her maize fields. Stay tuned to learn more about how the story develops.
Rwanda is developing rapidly. Sixteen years ago the country lay in ruins, but today numerous new buildings are springing up around the country. There is hope that with development will come international investments and businesses, making it possible for the country to rely less on international aid money. But in cities like Kigali and Butare, the land for development is in high demand. To make way for new buildings, some residents have been forced to move from their homes to new settlements far from their work. While the development is attracting business investment, what is the economic impact on people who have been moved from their homes?
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