Phase one of the Kigali Cultural Village (KCV), a novel tourism promotion facility under construction on Rebero Hill, Kicukiro District, will be completed before the end of the current financial year, an official has said.

According to the Rwanda Development Board, the new project aims at building an economically viable eco-tourism and cultural village facility within the City of Kigali.

"in addition to promoting and conserving the rich cultural heritage and the environment of Rwanda, generate diversified tourism income for the country and open up new social and entertainment amenities and services.”

Sunny Ntayombya, RDB’s Head of Communications and Marketing, said that as per the business plan, the project cost – including land and construction costs plus office setup and others ­ is estimated at $42 million (over Rwf36billion).

Ntayombya said: "The ongoing construction of KCV project, which started in October 2016, is in its first phase with the focus on basic infrastructure.”

"Phase one includes sitting and landscaping and other activities such as drainage, electrical work, paving work, fencing, development of walkways, external lighting installation, botanical gardens, construction of gazebos and so on.”

Engaging private investors

When Sunday Times visited the location this week, workmen were busy in different areas of the vast compound. The road leading to the area is being upgraded and, it seems, by the time the project is complete, or before, a new asphalt road will be going around the village’s perimeter.

Besides the new road, there are new housing projects mushrooming in the area, an indication that the entire region will change for the better dramatically in the very near future.

According to Ntayombya, the business plan provides different scenarios for KCV development.One is that the government will entirely finance the project. However, he added, the business plan provides the option of developing the project through Public Private Partnership.

"The ongoing phase one intends to make the site appealing for the development of next phases,” Ntayombya explained.

"The development of next phases will depend on budget availability and Rwanda Development Board is committed to engaging private investors to come on board”.

The vision of the facility is, reportedly, to be a landmark within the city, showcasing traditional architecture, highlighting the country’s rich culture and tradition in addition to expressing its social life and environment.

The project, once complete, will include an indoor auditorium, beautiful botanical gardens, museum, accommodation, restaurants and other tourist attractions, all packaged in a manner that gives visitors a good experience of Rwanda’s culture, nature and history.

It is envisaged to be a hub of culture, entertainment and exhibition. It is not meant to render the current cultural sites and other touristic activities useless, but once complete, visitors to KCV will get to experience most of everything about the country from one place as key aspects of Rwandan culture will be availed there.

Rwandan culture and other touristic attractions will be marketed in one single location not only to foreigners but also locals who wish to learn more about their country.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw