On Monday, Dr. Alvera Mukabaramba, the State Minister for Social Affairs in MINALOC explained to the parliament’s committee in charge of social affairs, issues regarding expensive burial services.

VIP graves at Rusororo cost at least Frw 750,000. (courtesy photo)

Esperance Mwiza, the chairperson of the committee, said that they have received various complaints from Kigali residents, especially concerning the cost of graves at Rusororo cemetery being very high. According to the rates that were presented by its manager Désiré Rwamamara, the recently opened cemetery in Gasabo district offers five options depending on the kind of materials used. Prices range from Frw 15,000 to Frw 600,000, plus special graves of children that cost between Frw 100,000 and 400,000.

Moreover, the cemetery provides VIP plots where people have to add Frw 150,000 or more to the highest category to have their relatives buried.

Upon questioning, Rwamamara explained that for example the late State Minister Christine Nyatanyi’s burial cost Frw 2,910,000, which he explained was not even the most expensive, because much depends on the manpower used.

Reacting to this, Dr. Mukabaramba said she thought many people are not aware of this. “Maybe the clients are not well informed. I think that these explanations are not widely known, which is why people have been complaining,” Mukabaramba said.

The commission was however not satisfied with these explanations, saying that the prices did not match the purchasing power of the population. “Even the lowest price of Frw 15,000 Rfw, with all the requirements to have a relative buried, is beyond ordinary citizens’ capacity”, said Ignacienne Nyirarukundo, the vice-chairperson of that committee.

MP Esperance Mwiza for her part said that the committee is going to meticulously examine the root of the problem, and conduct a field visit.

Rusororo cemetery serves as a burial ground since October 2011 after the Remera cemetery was closed because it was full.