Today Ministers of Local Government, Environment,  City of Kigali officials along with Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) launched a crackdown to close illegal activities in wetlands in Kigali.
The excersize was conducted along Gisozi and Nyabugogo marshland and let over 5 establisments close. Illegal facilities included, warehouses, garages, Grain mill and a church.
“Some of these people (property owners) had been told to relocate two months ago but they refused. What else would they expect from us?” Eng. Coleta Ruhamya, Director General of Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) pointed out.
The Mayor of the City of Kigali Nyamulinda Pascal called upon all those who still own structures in wetlands to move them immediately. He outlined the importance of wetlands to biodiversity which include reducing the impacts of floods by taking in rainwater, absorbing pollutants and improving water quality.
Mayor Nyamulinda castigated those who still pollute wetlands by dumping soil, waste and other materials in swamps sorounding the city.
A survey that was conducted in July this year indicated that over 2078 establishments around the city encroached wetlands and the city authorities have vowed to move them