Project developers of the Green City Kigali project Master Plan have unveiled a plan for eco-friendly transport that will connect residents in Kinyinya Sector of Gasabo District with other parts of the city. ALSO READ: City of Kigali mulls master plan for non-motorised transport The proposed Green City model on 600 hectares is based on the existing Kigali Master Plan 2050. ALSO READ: Kigali Green City Project secures Rw38bn funding It will cover 6 villages of Rusenyi, Ngaruyinka, Birembo, Taba, Binunga, and Gasharu across the Murama and Gasharu cells in Kinyinya Sector. Here is how the Green City Kigali project is working to make urban mobility sustainable and bring social, spatial, economic, and environmental benefits to Kinyinya residents. 40% of trips by public transport, 38 % by foot and bikes According to the developers, the master plan aims to cut trips by private cars and motorcycles from 50 per cent to 22 per cent, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ALSO READ: UK firm to develop Kigali green city master plan Instead, 40 per cent of trips will be by high-quality public transport, and 38 per cent will be on foot or by bike. The feasibility study will uncover electric mobility policy options such as electric cars and bicycles. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) A key feature of the Master Plan is the proposed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) route. This BRT system will offer fast and reliable public transport, making it easier for Kinyinya residents to connect with the rest of the city. BRT systems typically feature dedicated bus lanes, modern buses, and integrated infrastructure to reduce travel time, improve passenger experience, and encourage greater use of public transport. Transit-oriented development approach The master plan proposes a transit-oriented development approach. ALSO READ: How Kigali became Africa's top smart city This means building homes, public spaces and facilities close to excellent public transport, with easy access to walking and cycling paths - creating affordable and equitable travel. Network of paths for walking and cycling A network of paths for walking and cycling will make it easy to use the BRT system and move around neighborhoods. ALSO READ: City to turn ex-Deutsche Welle space into a forest eco-park These paths will be designed with gentle slopes to ensure they are accessible and widely used. Car parking to promote efficient land use Car parking will be limited to one space for every six homes, with most parking located in multi-modal hubs. This will promote efficient land use by reducing the need for large roads and consolidating parking. A first stage project on a 16-hectare site will be implemented by the Green City Kigali Company and will be composed of a mixed-use neighbourhood that integrates affordable housing, shops, public spaces, and efficient public transport. The remaining area will include essential infrastructure such as roads, blue and green networks, business centres, schools, hospitals, and other vital facilities that will improve the lives of the Kinyinya community without requiring relocation. Construction developments will be required to comply with the regulations of the master plan to achieve a sustainable and climate-resilient city. The initial phase will focus on a 16-hectare pilot site, planned for 1,700 to 2,000 affordable housing units through public-private partnerships.
