A new ultramodern automobile workshop will be constructed in Nyamabuye cell, Gatsata sector as compensation for the several automobile workshops that will be demolished in Nyabugogo and Gatsata. Speaking to The New Times yesterday, the Mayor of Gasabo District, Willy Ndizeye, said that the garage operators and spare part dealers in Nyabugogo and Gatsata were advised by the city authorities to form a corporative and come up with a well designed project to benefit them. The development comes after an eviction notice by Rwanda Environment Authority (REMA) to automobile workshop operators in Nyabugogo and Gatsata to evict the Nyabugogo wetland. “The plan is already with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD)” “They have already confirmed a loan of Rwf 3 billion for the project because of its future profits,” Ndizeye said. According to the district officials, the project is expected to provide over 1,000 jobs to especially unemployed youths. There are more than 20 workshops in the Nyabugogo wetland. The ultimatum to leave the area follows a 2006 study conducted by REMA that discovered residue from the workshops was polluting the surrounding wetland and putting human life at risk The Environment Inspection Officials in REMA revealed that the effluents released into the wetland contain heavy metals like mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium and others which are hazardous to human lives. Rose Mukankomeje, the Director General of REMA, said that besides the relocation, they should build garages that are up to standard. Ends
