Districts have joined the government’s efforts to improve waste management by incorporating environmental hazards management in their action plans. Ange Irutingabo, the district and community support officer at Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA), said that, so far, 19 districts had already planned for waste management and pollution control. “For 2014/2015 fiscal year, 4 out of the 30 districts, namely Ruhango, Gisagara, Karongi, and Bugesera planned for waste management and pollution control. But the number of districts has since increased to 19 in the 2015-2016 action plan,” she said. An assessment report seen by The New Times on environment mainstreaming into districts planning, recommended that all districts scale up efforts in waste management to avoid environmental hazards in the community as well as air pollution. According to REMA, progress had been made in waste management and pollution control in the area of constructing landfills, establishing waste removal companies and removal of asbestos roofing materials. Districts that were yet to plan for waste management were Gasabo, Muhanga, Gisagara, Rubavu, Rutsiro, Nyabihu, Karongi, Kirehe, Ngoma, Rulindo and Gicumbi. Remy Duhuze, director of environment regulations and pollution control unit at REMA, urged districts to check the required environmental standards for landfills and other waste disposal methods since they can also cause pollution. He cited an example of Nduba dump site in Gasabo District, where neighbouring residents have not been relocated yet it pollutes surrounding natural resources and affects the population. REMA says some areas are neglected by district planners while others decry insufficient funds. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
