Development of a model green city in Kigali is set
to get underway in January 2020. Eudes Kayumba, Deputy Team Leader of the Green
City Pilot project said they are finalising relevant studies and designs to
pave way for construction to begin.
Kayumba noted that the project aims to showcase the
viability of green cities in Rwanda and elements that could be replicated in
the development of secondary cities across the country with green technologies
and innovations for green and climate resilient urbanisation.
The green city will sit on 620 hectares in Kinyinya
Sector, Gasabo District complete with a system that prevents environmental
degradation and air pollution. It is estimated to cost US $5bn and the funding
will come from different stakeholders who have committed to pool resources to
ensure completion of the project.
The city will feature clean technologies, electric
vehicles, electric bicycle and motorcycle lanes, renewable energy, sustainable
waste treatment, biogas plants, urban forests, among others. Construction will
mainly use local building materials which will make houses more affordable and
environmentally sustainable.
“The estate will also have mini-factories with
clean technologies, affordable housing, integrated craft production centres. We
are conducting a study to estimate the jobs that will be created based on how
the residents of the area generate income,” said Kayumba.
Currently, Rwanda Green Fund (Fonerwa), with the financial support of the German Development Cooperation – through the KfW Development Bank – is undertaking a feasibility study for the Green Pilot, and contracted Sweco, a European engineering and architecture firm, to support the implementation of the project.https://constructionreviewonline.com/2019/05/rwanda-to-begin-construction-of-us-5bn-green-city-next-year/
