REMA finalising law on wetlands

KIGALI - Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) is currently finalising a law governing the exploitation of wetlands in the country. This was revealed by Rose Mukankomeje, the Director General of REMA In an email sent to Sunday Times. The formulation of the law follows a previous exercise by REMA that demarcated wetlands and classified the endangered ones from those that were not. “We have done an inventory of wetlands in Rwanda, we have categorised them into those that need total protection and those that can be managed,” she said. Once in place, the law aims to reduce the human pressure on the wetlands and step up protection for endangered ones. A survey was in Gikondo wetland in Kigali City was done to assess the damage on this particular wetland that currently hosts Kigali Industrial Area. According to the survey, it was found very alarming, prompting the decision to move the industrial park to another premise. Currently, the Ministry of Trade and Commerce is carrying out an evaluation of 98 industries in preparation for relocation to a new industrial area in Nyandungu in Gasabo district. Mukankomeje added that REMA was part of the stakeholders during the drawing of the Kigali Master Plan. “We have been consulted as key stakeholders in Kigali Master Plan preparation, and as a regulatory agency, we have provided them with our point of view regarding environmental management,” she said.The master plan was unveiled early this year. Ends