Rukungiri Municipality Begins Demolition of Illegal Structures

Authorities in Rukungiri Municipality on Wednesday commenced a trade order enforcement operation targeting buildings established in road reserves, temporary structures and dilapidated premises as part of efforts to improve urban development and security.

The enforcement exercise, guarded by Police, started at Ntungamo Stage where the perimeter wall of Bliss Coffee Haven Hotel was demolished before the team proceeded along Independence Road covering the Go-down, Kihindi, Katerera, Kinyasano Road and Bwooma areas.

Municipal authorities said the operation is expected to last at least five days until all parts of the municipality are covered.

The enforcement affects both commercial and residential structures said to have encroached on road reserves or failed to meet the required urban standards.

Some property owners, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the exercise, accusing authorities of demolishing their structures despite possessing approved documents and without prior notice or markings.

Business operators also raised concerns over the closure and disruption of their businesses, saying many of them are servicing loans and may suffer financial losses as a result of the operation.

Rukungiri Municipal Senior Physical Planner Ms Justine Kenganzi said the municipality had previously sensitized the public about the enforcement exercise and emphasized that the operation is intended to restore order and proper physical planning within the municipality.

Meanwhile, Rukungiri Municipal Civil Engineer Ms Merina Kekiijo said the enforcement is aimed at improving the beauty of the urban centre, enhancing security and removing encroachments on road reserves, as well as eliminating dilapidated structures and undeveloped plots.

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