The step follows long-standing concerns raised by residents since 2015, when the factory expanded and dust emissions began affecting their daily health. At the time, residents requested relocation and authorities promised to address the issue.

In 2022, President Paul Kagame directed that the matter be resolved, stressing that either the community or the factory had to move.

“Whether it is relocating the factory or the residents, one of the two must be done. Since moving the factory may be more difficult, those residents must be resettled elsewhere,” he said.

Following his directive, a joint task force made up of staff from the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and Rusizi District assessed the situation and approved the relocation of 651 households, representing 2,919 residents.

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On September 30, 2025, Rusizi District Mayor Sindayiheba Phanuel confirmed  that preparations are underway, in collaboration with various institutions, to resettle residents living within 500 meters of the plant.

“This program aims to safeguard people’s health against polluted air that can cause respiratory diseases, as well as noise from the plant’s operations,” he said.

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Although the mayor did not specify the timeline or the exact relocation sites, he explained that the process would be conducted in phases, starting with the most vulnerable families whose homes are either oldest or closest to the factory.

“This phased approach will improve the plant’s operations without obstacles, protect the environment, and align with the district’s master plan,” Sindayiheba added.

The resettlement will initially prioritize 104 families considered most at risk.