Heritage and development can easily coexist

Editor, Reference is made to the article, “Minister calls for innovation at national museums” (The New Times, March 25). A heritage site takes into consideration any type of past legacy, whether a building, landscape, collection or buried remains. It includes archeology, architecture, gardens, country side, artifacts, interiors and archives. Heritage and development can compliment each other. Many countries and cities sadly only realise the value of their buildings and natural heritage when it’s too late. The vast land of Rwanda is home to some of the best heritage sites of the world. A few of them are recognized as great landmarks because of their attractive features and cultural importance. The historical value of these heritage sites also holds the main key to its growing significance globally. The significance set out is to enable us retain a heritage site for future use, management, alterations, or repair. This all starts from a thinking process describing what is there? How it matters? What is happening to it? And the management principles that set in more detailed work programmes for maintenance, access and use. Despite Rwanda having considerable number of attractive heritage sites and structures some dating back to more than 100 years, and while progress has been made during the past years in heritage protection, they are still at risk of vanishing due to lack of professionalism. Most of the heritage sites and buildings in Rwanda seem to have been neglected and have become worthless though they could have been a testimony to the country’s rich and expensive history. The country, that is home to many “cultural sites”, has got a huge potential yet to be unearthed. This beauty, this heritage that belongs to Rwandans is endangered. We need to wake up in that already so much has been lost. Rwanda and Kigali, in particular, still have time to seize this opportunity. The Institute of National Museums of Rwanda is charged with developing a comprehensive conservation and management plan for protecting and conserving heritage sites/ assets in Rwanda. The plan outlines the priority problems affecting heritage and identifies specific commitments and recommendations for actions to improve and understand fully with public involvement– particularly those living close to the sites. We need to protect these sites because it’s not only another source of revenue through attracting tourists, but it is also an educational tool for our younger generations. Heritage sites become important in promoting Rwanda abroad and remain an attraction. Preservation of heritage sites and old structures in Rwanda needs support from people from all walks of life. We all know that these heritage sites are beneficial to all of us; they are our property so we need to protect them. David Nkusi

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Heritage and development can easily coexist