KIGALI – Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) has announced that the ambitious project to rehabilitate and develop five major wetlands across Kigali has reached 94% completion, marking a significant milestone in the city’s environmental and urban transformation efforts.

The restoration program covers five strategic wetlands: Gikondo (162 hectares), Nyabugogo (131 hectares), Kibumba (68 hectares), Rwampara (65 hectares), and Rugenge-Rwintare (65 hectares). Together, the wetlands span approximately 491 hectares and are expected to play a key role in improving Kigali’s environmental sustainability and resilience.

According to MININFRA, the project is designed to enhance ecosystem protection, reduce the risk of flooding and other climate-related disasters, improve air quality, and create attractive public spaces for recreation and relaxation.

The remaining six percent of work includes the construction of visitor service facilities that will provide information and guidance to tourists and residents, as well as final landscaping and beautification activities across the wetland sites.

While the government expects the entire project to be completed by August this year, progress varies among the individual wetlands. Rwampara is currently the closest to completion, while Nyabugogo remains the least advanced due to ongoing shoreline and lakeside development works.

Beyond their environmental benefits, the restored wetlands are being developed as leisure and sports destinations. Construction of sports facilities, including courts for various ball games, is already at an advanced stage in some of the wetlands. The new spaces are expected to provide Kigali residents with more opportunities for recreation, physical activity, and community engagement.

Once completed, the wetlands are set to become some of Kigali’s most important green public spaces, supporting both environmental conservation and the city’s long-term vision for sustainable urban development.