Rwanda has launched a new online land service system that cuts processing times significantly, enabling faster issuance of electronic titles via email. Residents report improved access and satisfaction with land services, with recent surveys showing increasing approval rates. The Ministry of Environment is working to further reduce wait times and increase efficiency by integrating technology and recruiting more service staff.
Rwanda has introduced an efficient online system for land service processing, significantly reducing the lengthy procedures associated with land title issuance. Previously, acquiring a land title could take months; however, the new system allows users to obtain electronic titles via email without repeated office visits, streamlining the entire process.
Residents like Jean Paul Ntawuyirwanya from Gicumbi District highlighted the drastic improvement in service delivery, noting he received his e-title swiftly post-application. Yves Bihezande from Ngoma District echoed this sentiment, appreciating the expedited process that eliminates long waits at district offices, marking a technological shift that transforms access to land services.
In satisfaction surveys, 60.4% of Rwandans expressed contentment with land and housing services, with women showing a higher satisfaction rate at 61.7%. A subsequent report revealed further increases in satisfaction for document issuance services, signaling positive reception of the digital transition among citizens.
The Ministry of Environment is actively working to enhance processing times; from 24 days in 2023 to a targeted average of ten days. Recent reports indicate progress, bringing the average down to 14.5 days. Minister Valentine Uwamariya emphasized the role of technology and independent surveyors in optimizing service efficiency.
The increased volume of land-related files has posed challenges, as demand surged from 15,000 to over 400,000 annually without a proportional increase in staff. The ministry aims to recruit dedicated personnel to handle land service requests effectively, facing overburdened employees at the sector level.
To further streamline services, a tracking system named LATIS has been implemented, allowing users to monitor application statuses while improving integration with other governmental systems. This initiative includes the empowerment of private notaries to facilitate land transfers and the introduction of a joint procurement system for modern surveying equipment, paving the way for more accurate and efficient land services.
Overall, Rwanda’s new digital land registration system has transformed land service processing, drastically reducing wait times and improving citizen satisfaction. Continued efforts by the Ministry of Environment to streamline operations and recruit additional personnel signify a commitment to address challenges arising from increased demand. The integration of technology and private support enhances the efficiency of land transfers, promising further advancements in land services.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
