Rwanda is promoting a ‘green’ economy under its medium-term development blueprint to ensure the country develops in a sustainable manner that encourages resource conservation, as well environmental protection to ensure sustainable growth. This approach also involves construction of environmentally-friendly green homes and use of renewable energy sources, among others. The green economy is one of the targets Rwanda seeks to achieve under the second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS II) that runs up to 2018.

This concept has attracted attention from some firms, like Horizon Group, which is working on ways to create awareness among Rwandans about the benefits of green living. Horizon, in partnership with the National Fund for Climate Change and Environment (FONERWA), will on Thursday launch the study findings on construction of environmentally-friendly green homes in Rwanda.

Eugene Haguma, the Horizon Group chief executive officer, said in a statement that the firm has been undertaking studies to incorporate resource-efficient technologies into the construction of green homes in Rwanda.

"The studies focused on resource conservation for sustainability, including sustainable low impact water management, renewable energy, land-use efficiency and green home design.

"With the aim of pioneering the green city concept as enshrined in EDPRS II, Horizon Group has dedicated 13 hectares of her prime land in Kinyinya, Gasabo District toward the construction of the Cactus Green Park,” said Haguma in the statement.

He noted that the Cactus Green Park could revolutionise Rwanda’s residential housing industry.

"The development is expected to pioneer building technologies, design elements and resource management, infrastructure that provides a neighbourhood, where the harmony between the constructed spaces and the environment will provide great visual and lifetime value of unmatched quality of life,” he noted.

Cactus Green Park project

The project on a 13.7-hectare piece of land in Kinyinya will have a total of 349 units; the dwelling units will be distributed in 137 buildings, Haguma said. The large central part of the plot will be open, with trees and shrubs. Multiple green pockets, which exude a potent freshness, will be created to promote intimate house clusters, and to reduce car movements, and rain water flowing down at high velocity across the site.

Haguma said the project will have facilities such as a neighbourhood centre, school, and communal green space for sports, and a waste water treatment plant.

It also includes ‘green’ architecture with emphasis on low carbon, locally-made materials and low-built areas.

Only 59 per cent of the plot area will be built on, while the rest will be open green space, and plants and water bodies.

The ‘green’ economy approach under EDPRS II is geared at economic transformation, development of sustainable cities and villages, and key innovations. It includes piloting a green city, piloting a model mine, and attracting investors in green construction with the focus on green urbanisation and promoting green innovation in industry and the private sector.

Haguma said these are some of the issues that guided the green homes study.