GASABO - Kigali City Council (KCC) yesterday launched its Conceptual Master Plan which will serve as a roadmap for the expansion of the city in the next 50 years.

The Master Plan is based on research and analysis of a wide range of background conditions and technical aspects outlined in the existing conditions report.

According to a report The Sunday Times saw, land use, infrastructural, environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic factors as well as economic and demographic projections, opportunities and constraints for the urban development were considered.

Presiding over the launch at the mini stadium (Petit Stade) in Remera, Prime Minister Bernard Makuza urged Kigali residents to jealously protect the environment.

He said that this would be through developing and outlining the infrastructure, physical and social amenities that will be provided in these planned areas.

"We must contribute to the development of Kigali City in a planned and sustainable way. This is just one of the many steps being taken by government to secure a good future for future generations,” Makuza said.

He continued saying, "To give KCC a new look, we should respect rules when constructing our houses. People should not build in Wetlands. The Master Plan is bound to be a success and we will rapidly and efficiently achieve our goals and visions for this great city of ours.”

The Minister for Infrastructure Linda Bihire reminded the residents that the conceptual Master Plan presents the overall "vision” or "big idea” for growth of the city and for different provinces.

It is expected to establish the primary objectives of future land use by identifying general land uses and densities, schematic circulation connections and the relationships to the surrounding area.

"The plan contains renewable five year detailed physical plans that will serve as benchmarks for the city planners depending on the infrastructure and type of activity to be set up,” Bihire explained.

The USD1.7million plan promises to create a new city quite different from the existing one.

Addressing the media in Kigali, the mayor of Kigali city, Aisa Kirabo Kacyira said, "In three months’ time, the city management will have gathered Rfw5bn (USD9million) that will be spent in relocating people who will have to shift due to the new Master Plan.”

She added that the detailed physical planning of the Central Business District (CBD) will be located in areas of Muhima, Nyarugenge and Kimicanga while residential hubs are to be located in Kinyinya, Masaka, Batsinda in Gasabo District.

Rebero resort area is expected to be a tourist destination. The plan was developed by an American firm called OZ International and was approved by cabinet in June last year.

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