Editor,

RE: Rwanda sets record again- Largest Solar project in East Africa (The New Times, February 24)

Development projects are welcome in Rwanda. However, I wish to request if the environmental impact assessment study results can be disclosed to the public. I hope REMA did approve the study.

It’s for the public good to know the impact on land use, given that land is scarce in Rwanda and from the look of it, it seems this was prime agricultural land assigned to the project. Secondly, what water cooling system is used for cooling? Is it well managed?

Does it have an impact on the surrounding area?

Thirdly, what does the company do if any hazardous cleaning agents used are to clean the panels? Is the disposal carefully monitored by concerned agencies?

Fourthly, what are the global warming emission rates from the lifecycle use of the equipment?

Lastly, was the impact on the bird population in the area measured? What are the mitigation measures for the above?

Concerned Citizen