Encroaching on wetlands will ruin environment

Editor,There’s no doubt that the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) is doing a great job with regard to the campaign against illegal construction of structures in wetlands, and protection of our environment in general.I remember Kigali City Council and REMA have, in the past, demolished some structures constructed in designated wetlands. That course of action is commendable and should be supported by all Rwandans.I visited one of the neighbouring countries recently but the situation there is deplorable. In some countries, environment laws are simply on paper, without any enforcement.Unfortunately, if one moves around Kigali, they realize that some people have continued to encroach on wetland areas, despite the existing restrictions. My understanding is that since environment degradation is something that affects us all, in equal measure, everyone should be an environmental watchdog. We should not sit back and wait for REMA’s intervention to conserve environment in our own neighbourhoods.Instead, we should all partner with REMA in promoting environment-friendly practices.By simply passing on information regarding encroachment on wetlands to the relevant authorities, we can help build a safer environment for ourselves and future generations.Innocent KamuhandaNyabugogo

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Encroaching on wetlands will ruin environment