Police move to protect ‘urban green space’

The Rwanda National Police has cautioned the general public against trespassing in areas gazetted as ‘special green spaces’ especially in Kigali which is against the country’s greening and beautification drive. Police spokesperson ACP Damas Gatare, said on Monday that some people have a tendency of crossing roads through road-side special green spaces which is illegal and punishable by the law. “There are some pedestrians and commercial motorcycle operators who trespass and destroy these green spaces which is an act of environmental degradation, defies the campaign of keeping ‘Kigali clean and green’ and against the dignity of Rwandans,” ACP Gatare said. Trespassing and littering on streets and use of plastic bags is illegal and punishable under the organic law determining the modalities of protection, conservation and promotion of environment in Rwanda and the City of Kigali bylaws. The trespassing or stepping in road-side green spaces, in particular attracts a fine of Rwf10, 000. “Trespassing in greed spaces is unacceptable and we have devised means to enforce the law and punish the violators,” he added. Police and the City of Kigali are engaged in a campaign to ensure sanitation and hygiene and protect as well as create green spaces. “The major focus here is to green new roads, public places and maintain and renovate the existing green spaces. It should, therefore, be a responsibility of every Rwandan to fight this unlawful act of destroying what has been built and use designated places to cross the road,” he noted.