Local auto-garages operating in the proximity of Nyabugogo wetland in Gatsata sector, Gasabo district are to be relocated, the Gasabo district Mayor said last week during an interview.

Claudine Nyinawagaga said this was meant to protect the Nyabugogo wetland.

"We reached an agreement with proprietors of garages and businessmen operating around the wetland that garages be relocated to another place to avoid environmental hazards," she said.

Nyinawagaga noted that wetland preservation is also fundamental in maintaining the city’s beauty since wetlands serve as a mini-ecosystem.

She observed that damage of wetlands does not just have an impact on that particular issue, but has more far-reaching consequences that have a great and often devastating effect on human and animal populations.

Mohammed Nkaka, the vice chairman of garages and business association Icyerekezo Gatsata, revealed that their association has mobilized all concerned and over Frw200m has already been deposited on their account.

He said that they have a draft plan of a modern multi-storied commercial building with better garage facilities in the back.

"We were given a short time by the environmental agency REMA. This compelled us to develop this big project and luckily, the local leadership together with cooperatives and banks agreed to help us get loans," Nkaka said.

He noted that their vision is to turn Gatsata into a prominent hub for motor spare parts and modern garages in the country.

At the sector offices Angelique Mukarwaka said that garage proprietors and business community are grappling with improving their work place.

She said that since sector authorities helped them to identify three sites, the next phase was to approve and negotiate expropriation terms.

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