The Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, has revealed that Rwanda is considering new housing projects designed to provide affordable accommodation, including shared housing units where individuals can rent beds.
Dr. Gasore announced while addressing Members of Parliament during the presentation of the new National Urbanization Policy, which aims to increase the proportion of urban dwellers from 27.9% in 2022 to 52% by 2035 and 70% by 2050.
He explained that a person is considered to live in affordable housing when their monthly rent does not exceed one-third of their monthly income. However, he noted that many Rwandans currently spend a higher proportion of their earnings on rent.
To address this, the government is developing plans to construct low-cost housing that aligns with people’s income levels. “We recognize that there are people with very limited means who cannot afford to rent in newly built urban estates like those in Gitega,” said Dr. Gasore. “That is why we are thinking about building shared accommodation facilities.”
He elaborated that these communal housing projects will cater to individuals who cannot afford traditional rentals. “We understand that some people cannot raise enough money for rent, yet they also need a place to live. The idea is to build units that include single rooms where a person can rent space without paying more than one-third of their income,” he explained.
Dr. Gasore further highlighted that this model mirrors housing systems found in cities such as Dubai, in areas like Deira, Bur Dubai, and Al Nahda, where shared accommodation is common and affordable.
In such housing setups, tenants pay only for the space that includes their bed and a few basic items, while sharing communal facilities such as bathrooms, showers, and kitchens. This arrangement mainly benefits low-income workers, students, and others who need inexpensive housing in urban areas.
Once a tenant identifies a suitable shared house, they sign a tenancy agreement similar to other rental arrangements and are then allocated a bed space equipped with basic items such as a small wardrobe.
These shared rooms are not dormitories in the traditional sense but resemble compact personal spaces divided by partitions, offering privacy and comfort within limited space.
Although the arrangement is based on private rental agreements between tenants and landlords, local authorities and housing agencies will be responsible for regulating these housing units to ensure proper management and address any issues that may arise.
