KIGALI - Kigali City Council (KCC), yesterday, unveiled the proposed site where diplomatic missions and residences will be built, in line with the City Master Plan.

The 32-hectare land in Gisozi, Gasabo District dubbed "Diplomatic Village,” was unveiled to diplomats accredited to Rwanda in a function held at Nyarugenge District headquarters.

The proposed village has 27 diplomatic plots and each embassy will have between 0.8 – 1 hectare of land to build all the required facilities, with buildings limited to three-storeys.

City Mayor, Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, said that the concept of creating a diplomatic village was meant to give both the diplomatic community and the City of Kigali with a unique environment "that will facilitate your business in a manner that is amicable.”

Kirabo also said that the city has been having informal discussions with members of the diplomatic corps who needed some level of privacy than they are currently unable to get.

She, however, pointed out that it is not compulsory for all diplomats to shift. But those whose offices are in areas reserved for residences will be asked to move.

"If you are in a building initially meant for residence and is being used as an office is where we have a problem,” Kirabo said, adding that each facility will be used according to its designated purpose.

Kirabo made it clear that the diplomatic village is optional and the city is doing its best to provide favorable conditions and incentives to move.

She told the diplomats that the government will provide major infrastructure including roads, electricity, water and a drainage system.

The Mayor added that it will be easier to ensure the diplomats ‘security and regulate the movement of the public in their zone.

Present at the function was the Foreign Affairs Minister, Louise Mushikiwabo, who commended Kigali city for its flexibility in its plan and also urged the diplomats to abide by the plan "as the city reshapes itself.”

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