Rwanda’s new digital land registration system streamlines land service processing, reducing delays in issuing land titles. Citizen satisfaction has increased significantly, with a notable rise among women. The Ministry of Environment plans further enhancements to reduce processing times and improve service efficiency despite increasing demand and staffing challenges.
The implementation of a new digital land registration system in Rwanda has significantly expedited the processing of land services, alleviating the prolonged wait times previously experienced by citizens. The digitization initiative has markedly reduced delays, especially in the issuance of land titles, which formerly took several months. Residents have reported remarkable improvements in their experiences with the electronic title (e-title) process, now facilitated via email instead of requiring repeated visits to offices.
Several citizens have expressed their satisfaction with the new system. For instance, Jean Paul Ntawuyirwanya from Gicumbi District remarked on how he previously faced a six-month wait for ownership transfer applications. Now, he received his e-title promptly through email. Similarly, Yves Bihezande from Ngoma District noted that the process has become much faster and more accessible, describing the technological shift as a “game changer” for individuals needing land services.
Recent surveys indicate growing citizen satisfaction with land services. The 2023 Citizen Report Card revealed a 60.4% satisfaction rate in land and housing services, with women notably more satisfied at 61.7%. A subsequent report for 2024 showed a further increase in satisfaction for land document issuance at 61.3%, with women’s satisfaction rising to 63.4%.
The Ministry of Environment is taking proactive steps to enhance the efficiency of land service processing. Minister Valentine Uwamariya announced efforts aimed at halving the average processing duration from 20 to 10 days. Initial reports indicated an average processing time of 24 days in 2023, which has since improved to 14.5 days as of early 2024.
The volume of land-related cases has surged, with Bugesera District processing 84,900 files in 2024, a significant increase from 5,879 in Gisagara District. Additionally, improvements in service times have been noted, with an overall cap on delays now at 14.5 days. However, Karongi District continues to face challenges, with processing times extending to 46 days, while Nyagatare maintains the quickest processing at just seven days.
Despite the advancements, the Ministry highlights existing challenges such as a rapid increase in demand for land services, which escalated from 15,000 requests annually to over 400,000, and insufficient staff. Each sector is typically managed by one employee tasked with numerous responsibilities, impeding effective service delivery.
To combat these issues, the Minister mentioned plans to recruit specialized land service officers in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government. Additionally, they are integrating the LATIS system, which allows users to track application statuses and communicate required corrections efficiently. This system will be linked with other governmental entities, including the Rwanda Revenue Authority, to enhance service delivery. Furthermore, 152 private notaries have been authorized to assist with land transfers, with expectations of more joining.
Finally, a new joint procurement system has been introduced for the acquisition of modern surveying equipment, aimed at improving land measurement accuracy and facilitating timely land services, thereby ensuring that the goals of the digital transition are fully realized.
The introduction of Rwanda’s new digital land registration system has transformed the processing of land services, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing citizen satisfaction. Residents now benefit from expedited issuance of land titles through electronic means, allowing for smoother transactions. Despite the challenges posed by increased demand and limited staffing, the Ministry of Environment is implementing strategies to recruit dedicated officers and integrate technology for improved service delivery. Overall, the advancements signify a positive shift towards efficiency and accessibility in land management.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
