VILLAGE URUGWIRO - The Government has given the green light to a new master plan for the City of Kigali. The plan, designed by a US firm, OR International, aims to transform Kigali into a modern city and cater for its expansion in the next 50 years.

The Cabinet gave its approval last week during a meeting at Village Urugwiro. The blueprint had been temporarily approved earlier this year by the Ministry of Infrastructure.

The plan suggests several designs for residential, commercial and industrial structures, and a modern road network.

Kigali City Mayor Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira told journalists Monday that it was high time the city grew in a well-planned manner. That would be a departure from the past where the city grew in a disorderly manner, she said.

She added that the master plan will help give Kigali a new face and remarkable distinction, a century after the capital’s creation.

The Director of Urban Planning in Kigali City Council, Egide Mugwiza, urged residents to abide by the new plan and put up the right structures in the right locations.

"This is just the beginning of a great journey,” he said. The plan is also expected to address the persistent poor sewage system in the city.

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