May 8, 2026: This is the aim of Transparency International Rwanda (TI-RW) and PTF Europe as they implement the EU-funded APESA project in Rwanda.
Grievance Redress Committee meeting place for road project in Karongi, Rwanda.
But what does it mean for citizens’ rights to be respected when infrastructure projects are designed and implemented? In some cases, it can mean that land will not be taken or houses destroyed without the owners being consulted and given adequate compensation. In others, it can mean ensuring that livelihoods will not be negatively impacted by the construction process or by the infrastructure itself. Whatever the specifics, ensuring that their rights are respected requires that citizens play a central role throughout the infrastructure cycle, through consultations and incorporating feedback in the design, construction, and operational phases of projects.
Rwanda is one of the least corrupt countries in Africa and has one of the fastest-growing economies. Infrastructure development is a priority of the government’s growth strategy and is key to improving public services. Although Rwanda has good legislation and regulations relating to environmental and social standards which cover infrastructure development, awareness and enforcement remain an issue. The resulting gap between existing requirements and actual practice undermines their utility. For example, in one survey, over 67 percent of project-affected people, 79 percent of workers, and 76 percent of citizens living nearby reported that they did not have opportunities to influence project decisions despite consultations.
The 3-year APESA project aims to improve awareness, compliance, and reporting with regard to environmental and social safeguards, and strengthen citizen trust. It is operating in 13 districts, working with government officials, project developers, and communities to bridge gaps, encourage collaboration, and ensure citizen issues and grievances are addressed. These efforts are supported by Citizen Concern Committees (CCC), local community watchdogs that can get feedback from communities and take up issues with local officials. Through APESA, 336 new CCC members have been recruited in 42 sectors and 11 districts. These CCCs, along with community-based organizations (CBOs) currently being recruited in the project’s 13 districts, will monitor public infrastructure projects that are starting or currently underway. They will assess the extent to which the projects respect existing legislation and citizens’ rights, and follow up with relevant local and national agencies if this is not the case.
The APESA project reflects strategies that TI-RW implements in Rwanda and PTF uses in projects around the world – facilitating cooperation between civil society and government entities; building the capacity of local civil society to participate in and monitor public processes; ensuring public money is spent in a transparent and accountable manner; safeguarding citizens’ rights; and strengthening civic trust. By so doing, it will help to ensure that infrastructure projects meet the needs of local communities while also contributing to enhancing sustainable development at the national level.
