EASTERN PROVINCE

GATSIBO — In a bid to minimise poaching, the Rwanda Office of Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN) has announced plans to construct a perimeter fence around Akagera National Park.

This was revealed by ORTPN’s Director General, Rosette Rugambwa, in a recent interview with our reporter at Rwimbogo in Gatsibo district. She was in Gatsibo to unveil about 21 community projects in areas surrounding Akagera National Park.

The projects unveiled at the function include a 2km wall in Nyagakoni to contain straying buffaloes and the Kageyo, and Rwikiniro primary schools and Rwimbogo secondary school constructed for children of park communities.

Rugambwa said constructing the perimeter wall is part of their five-year plan to further control straying animals that destroy crops of park communities.

"We are working on a business plan for the construction of a wall around Akagera National Park and the restocking of some species in the park,” Rugambwa said, adding that Dubai World has already committed itself to sponsor the project.

"The aim is to safeguard our wild animals because they risk being killed when they go outside the park. The move will also restore confidence amongst the communities surrounding the park. There will be no more complaints concerning destruction of crops by wild animals from the park,” Rugambwa explained. Without being specific on the cost of the project, Rugambwa estimated that it would cost about $15m.

According to ORTPN officials, Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s second frequently visited park. In 2007, the park received 16,323 visitors earning $ 274,433. 

"In 2007, tourism contribution to national domestic product was 3.7 making it number one foreign exchange earner,” Rugambwa said. 

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