NYAGATARE: Poorly Planned Warehouses Raise Public Concern

Residents of Nyagatare District are questioning a project that involved building agricultural storage warehouses, commonly known as hangars. According to them, poor planning has left many of these structures unused and already deteriorating.

During interviews with local residents, many said the warehouses no longer serve their intended purpose. Instead, they are slowly falling apart due to neglect and lack of regular monitoring.

Residents Criticize Lack of Consultation

One resident, Jean Pierre Ukwizagira, said the project failed because planners did not involve the community from the start.

“Although the warehouses exist, they do not serve the purpose for which they were built. The authorities said farmers would store their produce there. However, the project designers never consulted the beneficiaries. If they had engaged the residents, people would have understood and accepted the project. As a result, farmers do not use the warehouses, and they gain nothing from them.”

He added that the project brings no visible benefit to the population and remains only a physical structure without value.

Government Resources Allegedly Wasted

Moreover, residents argue that poor planning caused financial losses for the government. They believe the money used to build the warehouses could have supported other development projects that directly benefit citizens.

According to them, better investment choices could have improved livelihoods, especially for vulnerable families.

Buildings Show Signs of Damage and Neglect

Another resident, Marie Loise Mukazayire, pointed to visible damage on the buildings.

“When you look at these warehouses, you immediately notice poor planning. They have stood here for years without generating any income. Children throw stones at the iron sheets, and dirt covers the buildings. If the government had invested this money elsewhere, it could have helped many poor families live better lives. Unfortunately, the goal of this project was never achieved.”

Meanwhile, residents worry that continued neglect will lead to further damage and total loss of the structures.

Local Authority Explains Seasonal Use

In response, the acting local leader, Kakooza Henry, said the warehouses operate only during harvesting seasons.

“The warehouses do work, but their use depends on the farming calendar. For example, in rice-growing areas, storage decreases when the harvest season ends. Likewise, warehouses meant for maize remain unused because maize harvesting has not yet started. Therefore, the main challenge is not unused warehouses but an insufficient number of them.”

Agricultural Importance of Nyagatare

Nyagatare District ranks among the country’s leading agricultural producers. For that reason, authorities built these warehouses to protect harvested crops and reduce post-harvest losses.

However, many farmers still avoid using them. They fear theft and poor management, which discourages them from storing their produce there.