Editor,

RE: "Efficient land use vital for sustainable devt – scholars” (The New Times, July 13). I would urge the Government of Rwanda to put in place public cemeteries all over the country, right at village level. Public cemeteries are not meant only for urban dwellers. 

In the same spirit of efficient use of land, there is a need for the planners of urban and rural settlement to arrange for burial grounds at the village level. The habit of burying beloved ones in the same plot people are living in is not only outdated but it also depreciates the value of the land.

Public awareness should be extended to the rural population of how a general public graveyard is appropriate. Small amount of fees should be put in place for people who keep the graveyard clean for the deceased’s beloved ones to feel at ease while laying flowers and praying for the souls.

Failure to plan properly for land has many negative implications, one being unending land conflicts, and it may also be a source of insecurity.