Senate president calls for environmental protection

Residents of Kigali City have been called upon to play a key role in fighting against soil erosion and protecting the environment in their respective residential and work places. The call was made, yesterday, by the President of the Senate, Dr.Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, while addressing residents from Gasabo and Nyarugenge districts after community work commonly known as Umuganda.

Sunday, December 11, 2011
Senate President, Dr. Jean Damascene Ntawukuliryayo during Umuganda yesterday. The Sunday Times/ Timothy Kisambira

Residents of Kigali City have been called upon to play a key role in fighting against soil erosion and protecting the environment in their respective residential and work places.

The call was made, yesterday, by the President of the Senate, Dr.Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, while addressing residents from Gasabo and Nyarugenge districts after community work commonly known as Umuganda.

The community work which was carried out on both Jali and Kigali mountains.

"I advise you to clearly understand the importance of protecting our environment by continuously planting trees and constructing terraces around the hilly areas in order to avoid soil erosion,” Ntawukuriryayo said.

He requested the residents to avoid residing on steep areas both around Kigali and Jali mountains in order not to suffer from landslides and running water which can destroy their houses and agricultural produce.

The Mayor of Kigali City, Fidele Ndayisaba, urged those present to endeavor they reside in clean environments by avoiding dumping rubbish alongside the roads and even in their compounds.

He also advised them to avoid illegally constructing houses around both Jali and Kigali mountains and to stop the habit of dumping waste in Nyabugogo river ,which, he said, is one of the causes of floods in the area.

steven.mugisha@newtimes.co.rw