As part of implementing the proposed Green City Master Plan, the City of Kigali has announced plans to create Kinyinya ‘Forest Eco-park’ on the former Deutsche Welle Radio site. ALSO READ: Kigali Green City Project receives Rwf 10B investment City officials, on September 3, said during the press conference that the Green City Master Plan has been completed waiting for implementation. The master plan aims for an overall ecological enhancement by doubling the landscaped areas for natural habitats from 8 per cent of the planning area to 19 per cent. In the plan, up to 55 per cent of the 700 hectares proposed area is publicly accessible spaces, in line with UN-Habitat guidance for a well-functioning and prosperous city. ALSO READ: UK firm to develop Kigali green city master plan “Key to delivering these goals is the Kinyinya Forest Eco-Park on the former Deutsche Welle Radio site, a major urban park in Kinyinya Sector,” said Solange Muhirwa, the Chief Urban Planner. She said the Green City project will also feature climate-resilient housing units built with locally sourced materials. “The Green City will provide at least 40 per cent affordable housing through innovative typologies,” Muhirwa said adding that residents of the area will not have to move. The development of Kigali Green City will begin with a pilot phase covering 16 hectares, expected to be launched in 2025 and completed by 2030. This phase will have at least 2,000 housing units and other amenities. Over 30,000 housing units are expected once the project is fully implemented. ALSO READ: Govt to pilot green model city project in Kinyinya Residential typologies include incremental housing and high-end villas. For these houses and other amenities to be built under the project, the aim is to use local materials to promote local production as well as create jobs. The project will involve constructing buildings that maximize passive design - with optimized window areas, that are well shaded, naturally ventilated and do not require air conditioning, complying with the EDGE green building standards, which reduce energy demands by 40 per cent. ALSO READ: How Kigali became Africa's top smart city The construction will also minimize embodied carbon in construction by constructing lean buildings with locally sourced, natural, minimally processed materials. Muhirwa said that the Green City Project's 600 hectares are divided into 18 neighborhoods, each with a school and recreational areas. Community spaces, or open spaces, and recreational spaces for health and wellbeing were also considered, she said. Non-motorised transport Muhirwa said the roads will use public transport and are also designed to support cyclists. Bicycle parking will be provided within the development. Bicycle hire stations will also be provided at transport interchanges, multi-modal hubs and neighborhood centers. ALSO READ: City of Kigali mulls master plan for non-motorised transport The project also integrated accessibility considerations for disabled persons and parents with children such as accessibility access points, elevators, and ramps. The master plan also included passive space and shaded seating areas as well as shelter from rain and sun. The city’s features include a centralized firefighting system and emergency lighting. It also includes a community building that offers community spaces, communal wash, potable water, and waste recycling stations, and a health facility. Stormwater management and water channels will benefit communities thriving on urban agriculture.
