An illegal hides and skin tanning unit was found polluting Nyabugogo wetland – one of the five wetlands undergoing rehabilitation – in the City of Kigali, according to a new report by Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA).

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The government has warned against encroaching and polluting these wetlands that are expected to provide environmental, recreational and economic benefits.

The latest inspection was carried out from October 21 to October 27.

Nyabugogo wetland supplies water to Nyabugogo River.

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The inspection findings, the report said, showed that the hides and skin processing unit was operating without Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) having been carried out.

An environmental impact assessment is a tool used to assess the significant effects of a project or development proposal on the environment. It helps ensure that project decision makers think about the likely effects on the environment at the earliest possible time and aim to avoid, reduce or offset those effects.

"Hides and skins are washed in open space that is not allowed. Solid and soft waste is not well managed since it is discharged into Nyabugogo wetland,” reads part of the report, which also notes that the business was lacking enough space for hygiene and sanitation, and workers have no protective gear.

"Based on the highlighted issues, the factory has been suspended and ordered to relocate its activities, carry out Environmental Impact Assessment before resuming operations,” the inspection report said.

Under the plan to rehabilitate Nyabugogo wetland is consideration for a large lake, serving as a centre for conservation and climate change education. Recreational activities will also be developed around the lake.

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Nyabugogo’s wetland restoration will include flood control infrastructure to protect roads, re-creating the natural river profile downstream, and establishing a waterfront to improve the city's landscape.

The project will also support natural stormwater treatment and increase biodiversity, including birds, amphibians, and plants.

The rehabilitation project is designed to reduce the coverage of invasive water hyacinth in the large pond, while also enhancing the aesthetic and ecological value of the area with carefully designed ponds and small islands for birds and other species.

The wetland will, if all goes according to plan, become a research hub due to its history of severe environmental degradation.

For years, garages in the Gatsata Sector of Gasabo District were responsible for hazardous waste, including oils and heavy metals, dumped into the wetland. The garages in the area lacked proper waste disposal systems, thereby contributing to pollution and public health risks.

Restoring Nyabugogo wetland will involve removing concrete debris and other remnants from past human activity. As envisaged, a river will flow through all five wetlands, helping to manage water from surrounding areas.

This system will prevent stagnation, bad odours, and aid the wetland’s self-cleaning process.