Rwanda’s new online land service system has streamlined processing times and increased citizen satisfaction. Residents report significant improvements, with processing times reduced from several months to just weeks. Minister Valentine Uwamariya highlights ongoing efforts to enhance the system further amidst rising demand. Integration of digital platforms and private notaries aims to facilitate better land transfer services.
The recent implementation of an online system for land service processing in Rwanda has notably improved the efficiency of land title issuance. Citizens are now able to avoid the long wait times that previously existed, as the digitization allows for expedited services. Jean Paul Ntawuyirwanya from Gicumbi District shared his satisfaction, stating that he received his electronic land title via email, significantly reducing the need for in-person office visits.
Yves Bihezande from Ngoma District echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that traveling to district offices for land applications involved lengthy waiting periods. He remarked that the new system has dramatically accelerated the process, labeling it a transformative change for residents. Recent citizen satisfaction surveys reinforce these observations, with 60.4% of individuals expressing approval of land and housing services in the 2023 Citizen Report Card. Notably, women’s satisfaction was higher, at 61.7% compared to men’s 58.8%.
Minister Valentine Uwamariya has noted the Ministry of Environment’s ongoing efforts aimed at further streamlining land service processing times. The average processing time has improved from 24 days in 2023 to just 14.5 days presently, with an ambitious target of reducing it to 10 days. The integration of independent surveyors and technology is pivotal in enhancing overall efficiency.
The statistics on land-related cases reveal a substantial increase in demand, with Bugesera District processing 84,900 land files in 2024. In contrast, Gisagara District handled only 5,879 during the same period. While technological advancements have limited maximum delays to 14.5 days, Karongi District still faces longer processing times of up to 46 days, while Nyagatare has achieved the fastest at seven days.
In response to the increased demand for land services, the Ministry of Environment is collaborating with the Ministry of Local Government to recruit dedicated land service officers. The LATIS system is being integrated across government bodies, allowing users to track application statuses effectively. This aims to enhance service delivery for citizens. Minister Uwamariya also reported that 152 private notaries have been authorized to assist with land transfers, which will further streamline the process.
Additionally, modern surveying equipment is being procured through a joint system to improve land measurement accuracy and boundary correction. This approach aims to bolster the quality of land-related services, ensuring that citizens receive timely and precise assistance.
In conclusion, Rwanda’s new digital land registration system has significantly transformed land service efficiency and accessibility. The integration of technology has led to faster processing times and greater citizen satisfaction. Continued efforts to recruit dedicated staff and utilize modern surveying equipment promise to further enhance service delivery, addressing the increasing demand for land services. The joint collaboration between government ministries and private notaries will ensure comprehensive advancements in the sector, benefitting the populace significantly.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
