Editor,

RE: "REMA mulls creation of artificial lake at Gikondo Industrial Zone”(The New Times) February 6.

This is a commendable effort by REMA! However, there are a lot of pollutants in that area which can be seen with just a casual visit.

I am not sure how REMA plans to clean it up…or even if it can be cleaned up quickly enough…or if the cost of cleanup will not be massive, hence need for a thorough cost benefit analysis.

In addition, there is another lake in Nyarutarama nicknamed ‘Kwa Nyagahene’ that an investor tried to exploit but was not successful.

How will this project work given the failure of the Nyarutarama lake project? I have always been curious about this lake though…is it man made or natural? What is its history?

What is its real name? I hope someone can enlighten us on this. Kigali Girl *******************Great idea! Kigali will be even more beautiful and very attractive both to the visitors and locals as well, when the proposed artificial lake becomes a reality.

A water mass of any size adds beauty to any city. Most cities in the western hemisphere were built near the ocean, a lake or river. Even most of African cities built by colonisers were built near water masses.

However, proper planning that includes learning from other countries what sports activities can be enjoyed on the lake is also necessary. We should not hesitate hiring an expert to design the lake even if it will cost money since the benefits that will come from our city’s attractiveness will be much greater.

In my view, the proposed artificial lake should also have an artificial sand beach. I also think that the lake should not occupy the whole former industrial area.

A public park and children swimming pool should also be considered.

Seth