Kigali Unveils Master Plan for Sustainable Green City Development in Kinyinya(Photos)
The Kigali City Council has unveiled the master plan for the Kigali Green City project in Kinyinya, which allows residents to build according to the new guidelines.
Green City Kigali is a sustainable development project focused on eco-friendly buildings that use renewable energy, utilize recyclable materials, and are constructed with locally sourced materials.
The master plan for this city is complete, and residents can now start construction by applying for building permits.
The development will be situated on the site of the former Deutsche Welle Radio station in Kinyinya, Kigali, covering an area of 600 hectares.
Marie Solange Muhirwa, the Kigali City Planning Manager, announced that the master plan is now available for implementing the Kigali Green City [Kinyinya] project.
This Green City will be developed in the Gasharu and Gitega sectors of Kinyinya, divided into 18 zones, each equipped with essential amenities.
She stated, “We wanted to create a city with all necessary facilities. In Kinyinya, we are starting with a pilot project, and once completed, we will replicate it in other areas. Our goal is to ensure that residents can access everything they need within a 15-minute walk.”
Green City Kigali will include affordable housing for between 170,000 and 200,000 residents.
Muhirwa mentioned that the project will feature mid-range housing designed to withstand climate change and will use locally available building materials.
“We aim to construct affordable housing that can withstand climate change while using locally sourced materials,” she added. “We want to ensure that current and future residents can continue living in these homes.”
The Green City will have various sectors with basic infrastructure, including schools, roads, markets, clinics, and recreational facilities.
The Kigali City Council collaborated with Fonerwa and local residents in Kinyinya to develop the master plan, allowing community input.
Public transportation and bicycle use are planned for residents to minimize travel distances, with roads connecting the area to potential job sites, such as the Masoro Industrial Zone.
As an environmentally conscious city, Kigali Green City will contribute to Kigali’s beautification and mitigate air pollution impacts.
The city will also implement waste management systems that convert waste into resources rather than a problem.
The master plan envisions that 75% of the energy used in the city will come from renewable sources, with energy-efficient buildings that conserve electricity and water.
In addition to recreational areas, the city will include an eco-park to promote tourism while preserving the environment.
The project aims to create around 50,000 jobs in Kinyinya through business opportunities in these zones.
Residents can either build their homes according to the master plan or invest in the project.
Housing will vary based on proximity to major roads, requiring higher standards of construction as one approaches the main roads.
The government will build essential infrastructure, including roads, water, electricity, schools, and health facilities in the area.
Although there were concerns from residents about delays in obtaining building permits, the Kigali City Council is now prepared to issue permits for those who wish to build according to the master plan.
There will be roads designed for both public transport and private vehicles, with pedestrian paths through green areas and shaded walkways.
The master plan includes pathways for pedestrians surrounded by green spaces, as well as roads for public transportation.
Infrastructure will be designed for easy access by all, including early childhood, primary, secondary schools, vocational training centers, and universities, alongside economic development areas to support non-agricultural jobs.
