NYARUGENGE - The first giant gorilla monument that reflects Rwanda’s tourism resource has been erected at one of Kigali City’s roundabouts in the city centre. The statue, situated between Kigali City Council (KCC) offices, the Finance Ministry, and Commercial Bank of Rwanda (BCR), has two images of a female and male gorilla.

Park Safaris in Canada donated the monument, which is made of marble. "This monument represents the great value the world attaches to gorillas,” said Alex Carrasco, the Second Secretary of the Canadian Embassy in Rwanda.

Infrastructure Minister Linda Bihire who officiated at the function, said that creating the statue needed a lot of input from Rwandans.

"We have been amazed and delighted at the way Kigali City development has stimulated the spirit of promoting tourism in the whole country,” said the minister.

The Mayor of Kigali City Dr Aisa Kirabo Kakira said the statue reflects the importance gorillas have on the national economy.

"We have been longing for this monument which demonstrates the presence of some of the most valued creatures in our country,” observed the Director General of ORTPN, Chantal Rugamba.

The event was part of a week of festivities for the gorilla naming ceremony (Kwita Izina) slated for June 21 in Kinigi Sector, Musanze District in Northern Province.

The ceremony, which will be taking place for the fourth time, will see the naming of 20 baby gorillas born in the last year.  The number of the rare mountain gorilla species is growing despite persistent concerns that years of civil conflict in the eastern DR Congo could contribute to their extinction.

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