The Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) announced on Tuesday that work on rehabilitating five wetlands in Kigali City is nearing completion.
Once fully restored, the wetlands are expected to store and filter water, prevent flooding, purify the air, and enhance the city’s natural beauty.
Pedestrian paths, cycling lanes, and stormwater basins designed to slow down runoff are under advanced construction.
REMA also reported significant progress on developing drainage systems and rehabilitating existing water channels within the wetlands.
This project has created numerous jobs for Kigali residents, contributing to local economic activity.
Much of the wetland ecosystem has begun to recover since previous infrastructure and activities were cleared from the areas.
Biodiversity is returning, especially bird species that had long disappeared and are now being spotted again.
REMA indicated that the project to modernize these five wetlands started in February 2024 and is expected to cost $80 million (over 101.6 billion Rwandan francs). Once complete, the wetlands will resemble the Nyandungu Eco-Park in Gasabo District.
