In the framework of deepening awareness raising to the public on environmental protection and social safeguarding in the construction of infrastructural development, TI-Rwanda organized five (5) radio talk shows under the theme : “Citizen Voice and Accountability in Infrastructure Development.” Radio talk shows were broadcasted on Rusizi community Radio , Salus Radio, Izuba Radio, Ishingiro Radio and Radio/TV 10 respectively.
Subsequently, these radio talk shows served as a tool to deepen awareness raising to general public on the APESA project, citizen’s rights and obligations as far as social safeguarding compliance and accountability is concerned, and enabled citizen interaction with TI-Rwanda staff on matters that needed clarifications while laying avenue for reporting cases/issues regarding environmental and social safeguarding that affect citizens during the construction of infrastructure projects notably a) lack of work contracts for employees involved, b) Limited support for workers who face accidents while engaging in the construction of infrastructure, c) personal protective equipment’s (PPE) that are deducted from workers’ salaries during construction, and d) delayed compensation during expropriation process. All these were recorded by TI-Rwanda for further follow-up and advocacy.
Radio talk show increased understanding of citizens on their rights and obligations and available reporting channels hence expanding reporting base in the framework of holding duty bearers accountable.
As observed by citizen from Gicumbi, Bwisige sector “We used to experience issues related to environment and social safeguarding such as delayed compensation, negative legacy of those infrastructures to surrounding community but did not know where to report those issues for remedy. The fact that we have been told various means of reporting to TI-Rwanda, it will be easy for us to share information on issues affecting us”.
Another citizen from Rusizi said “It is my first time to hear about compensation standard days and right to appeal and timeframe if not satisfied with value they have given your properties during expropriation process. More so, through these presenters, I have understood my obligation which include registration of land so that I can be able to be compensated in case”.
It is important to mention that, after the radio talk shows 13 citizens called TI-RW on toll-free to submit their cases of injustice related to delayed compensation having constructed electricity, roads and water on their plots. TI-RW started advocacy to 9 cases to relevant institutions while 4 people were oriented on procedures to be undertaken.
As a result of advocacy here is a story of how radio talk show helped Nsabyeneza Alex to regain his rights after 4 years :
According to the article 36 of the law N° 32/2015 of 11/06/2015 regarding expropriation in the public interest, the citizen was supposed to have been given compensation within 120 days only, but contrary he spent 4 years without being compensated. That case represents many similar cases being followed by TI-Rwanda, which demonstrates the relevance for APESA Project in general and the role of awareness raising on citizens rights and obligation in particular in empowering citizens to access justice.
