Kigali City launches new hygiene by-laws

KIGALI - Kigali City Council has launched new rules that will guide residents in maintaining the city’s cleanliness. The new rules are the revised version of the current by-laws which were passed in 2006. In an interview with The Sunday Times, Hope Tumukunde, the city’s Vice Mayor explained why it was important to revise the laws. “The by-laws that guide us were made in 2006 when the city was smaller than it is today. With the increase in population and development of new buildings, industries, estates…., it became necessary to modify some of the laws to make them applicable in today’s situation.” John Mugabo, who is in charge of the city’s waste management, noted that the modified laws are mainly concerned with the way garbage and human waste are disposed, and the standard hygiene expected. “In the new by-laws, garbage that does not decompose, like plastics, should be separated from garbage that decomposes before disposal. Families should also have the necessary garbage tools.” He adds, “Waste from industries should be treated at the factory, or the owners seek special permission from relevant authorities. This will prevent potential danger that can be imposed by the emerging industries.” Mugabo also underscored that commercial buildings would be differentiated from residential buildings that are used for business. “This implies that a certain number of sanitary places should be available at the residential house used for business, which was not the case before.” Residential estates and storied buildings will be forced to install a waste treatment plant in the new era. The standard cleanliness expected of public places like restaurants, food stores like butcheries, roads, homes…., is also highlighted in the new set of by-laws. Punishments for people who will break the rules are also clarified. The city, according to the authorities, through local leaders and other stakeholders, will educate the people about the new laws. Dr Blaise Uhagaze, who is in charge of health and environment in the city, hailed the updating of the hygiene by-laws, revealing that 60 percent of the diseases are spread through poor hygiene. “The spread of 60 percent diseases is connected to unhygienic conditions. Even diseases like Malaria arise from malaria vectors which breed in stagnant water.” He adds that the laws will promote the health of the residents and promote their living standards. Ends