Editor, Refer to the story, “Can construction industry lead the way in reducing import bill?” (The New Times, January 17) I would like to remind Emmanuel Hategeka, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, that in addition to cement, wood, and clay, there are many other local products that could be used in the construction industry as much more advantageous replacements for imports. And yet those indigenous products are either still unknown, or known but not or barely researched and developed here in Rwanda, or simply they usually are disparaged and despised with unfounded and vitiated arguments as is the case in the “Bye Bye Nyakatsi” campaign. Question: In Minicom’s efforts to promote “Made in Rwanda” construction products, have they included thatch or particle panels that could be made out of abundant local vegetation such as papyrus? And what about bamboo, for instance, for fine flooring and as structural component, as in scaffolding for instance? And many more! Prior to thinking and talking about production plants, shouldn’t we probably start by instituting a research and development centre in local and locally made construction materials and products? Francois-Xavier Nziyonsenga
