Kigali is set to introduce satellite technology to monitor illegal construction in the city. The new system, which will be launched by the end of January 2025, aims to track unauthorized buildings in real-time.
Mayor Dusengiyumva Samuel shared the news with members of Parliament, explaining that the technology will allow authorities to detect new constructions every week. “We will be able to see, using satellites, where buildings are being built, even on individual plots,” he said.
The system will be linked to Kigali’s existing building permit database, meaning every construction project will be tracked. “We will know if a building starts going up and whether it has the necessary permits,” he added.
The mayor explained that this system would also allow the Minister of Local Government to check, directly from their phone, if a construction project is lacking the proper paperwork.
“This will make it harder for anyone, from local leaders to city officials, to approve illegal constructions,” Dusengiyumva said.
This new technology comes in response to growing concerns from residents who have often complained about illegal buildings being constructed without oversight. The mayor assured the public that once the system is in place, it will help identify and remove risky buildings, especially those built in flood-prone areas, before they pose a danger to residents.
