Editor, RE: "Car-free zone redevelopment to commence early next year” (The New Times, December 31).

This is such a great idea. Recognizing that the plan is incomplete, one is concerned, however, by the description of the activities in the article at least as noted, what is mentioned are activities that I would call "one-way”—people get to see/observe important examples of Rwandan culture.

While that is very desirable, a true pedestrian space must be "two-way”—providing opportunities for people to engage with each other by encouraging coming together around common interests and activities. And what could be more inviting than food stalls, performance music and dancing, children’s play spaces, etc.

This is what makes pedestrian spaces successful across the globe. Less engaging spaces quickly lose their appeal. I’m sure I echo many voices when I say that I look forward to seeing the plan, and I certainly hope the public will be invited to comment on the plan before it is implemented.

Rhett