The City of Kigali has installed sitting benches in designated public gardens to be used by its residents during their leisure time.

The development is part of the city’s efforts to transform Kigali into a recreational and environmentally friendly city.

Through the city’s Twitter handle, Kigali has announced that public benches have been installed in 33 Kigali’s famous recreational centers, namely Imbuga City Walk in the central business district (formerly car-free zone) and Rwandex garden among others.

When our reporters visited Imbuga City Walk, one of the dedicated public space on Friday, August 27, they observed that benches had been set up and kiosks were being mounted on the same premises.

In previous interviews with this publication, Marie-Solange Muhirwa, City of Kigali’s urban planning chief had said that the kiosks being built in different recreational zones shall be used for sale of different products such as refreshments and snacks.

Also observed are city ample lights above those gardens, which is among the attractive facilities that had also been previously announced by the city vice-mayor.

One of Kigali residents that we found touring the area, Steven Sekanabo said that the facilities were needed in a growing city like Kigali.

"Development is not only about industries and multi-storied buildings, we also need a place with fresh air to breathe and relax,” he told this paper.

According to the city’s new master plan, 6 percent of Kigali’s land has been earmarked for recreational activities ranging from roundabouts, themed and amusement parks, to development of tourism projects and outdoor sporting places and scenic sites.