Located in a prime area near key services such as Chillax Lounge in Nyarutarama, King Faisal Hospital, Kigali Heights, Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Centre, various embassies, government offices, and the Kigali Golf Club, the hotel will be an integral part of the city’s urban fabric. The development will also include commercial spaces, 60 hotel rooms, restaurants, and modern fitness facilities, with a completion date set for June 2026.
The apartments will come in five types, including one-bedroom units spanning 96 square meters, which will have a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and balcony. These units, located from the ground floor to the fourth floor, will be priced at $144,000 for the lower floors and $148,800 for the upper floors.
Additionally, the development includes 30 two-bedroom apartments ranging from 130 to 140 square meters. Prices for these units will start at $195,000 for lower-floor apartments, and $201,500 for those on the third and fourth floors.
There will also be two-bedroom apartments with 140 square meters, each offering private bathrooms, a living room, and a modern balcony. These will be priced at $246,400 for lower-floor apartments, and $254,100 for the upper floors.
For those seeking more space, five three-bedroom apartments will be available, measuring 175 square meters. These will feature multiple bathrooms, a living room, and a balcony. These units will be priced at $308,000 for lower-floor apartments and $317,625 for those on the third and fourth floors.
At the top of the building, four penthouse apartments measuring 400 square meters each will offer five bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. These luxurious units will be priced at $748,000 (over 1 billion Rwandan Francs) and will come with modern amenities.
In addition to residential units, the Royal Golf View Apartment Hotel will offer a commercial area and over 100 parking spaces. Buyers will be able to pay in installments, with 30% due at the start of construction, 30% by September 2015, and the remaining balance by January 2026, ahead of the grand opening in June 2026.
Developed by DND Triangle Real Estate Developers Ltd, founded in 2025, this project aims to provide high-end, accessible housing in Kigali. It is supported by BWH Hotels, a prominent global hotel brand with over 4,700 properties across 100+ countries.
{{Photos showing the artistic impression of Royal Golf View Apartment Hotel}}
This announcement was made during a media briefing ahead of the ‘Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa: NESIA 2025’, which will be held in Kigali, bringing together experts from 30 countries to discuss harnessing nuclear energy.
Rwanda has been pursuing nuclear energy for nearly seven years with the goal of fostering development. In 2018, the country began collaborating with Russia to establish a research center focused on nuclear energy, which will help increase the nation’s electricity production.
In August 2024, Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding with the American company ‘Nano Nuclear Energy Inc.’ for the deployment of small modular reactors and microreactors.
A year earlier, the Rwandan government had signed an agreement with Dual Fluid Energy Inc., a company based in Germany and Canada, to test nuclear energy technologies in Rwanda.
The plans focus on constructing small plants using ‘Small Modular Reactors’ and ‘Micro Reactors’, which require minimal land, offer high output, and do not pose any significant risks to the population. These facilities will require between 220 and 250 employees across four categories.
By 2024, over 200 Rwandan students and RAEB staff were expected to be sent abroad to gain expertise in nuclear energy.
Dr. Fidel Ndahayo, the CEO of RAEB, said, “We now have a clear vision where we can say ‘we need a plant that can provide this much electricity, and we can place it here or there.’”
He further explained that multiple sites had been considered for the plant, but further detailed analysis is needed to assess factors like land suitability, seismic risks, and other environmental considerations.
He added that the chosen technology for the plant would be small reactors capable of producing substantial energy, with a site range of 15 to 50 hectares, located away from residential areas.
“We can still find a 50-hectare site to build the plant, even with high population density,” Dr. Ndahayo said.
In an interview with IGIHE, Dr. Ndahayo continued, “Our goal is to have the plant operational by 2030. We will need 234 workers, and we aim to have them trained by 2028.”
He also mentioned that as many organizations focus on new technologies for harnessing nuclear energy, Rwanda is positioning itself early to ensure its workforce is well-equipped to adopt and market this technology.
Dr. Ndahayo noted that around 30 to 50 experts in nuclear energy have already completed their studies and are now working at RAEB, while another 200 are gaining experience in advanced countries.
Some of these students will graduate next year, with others following in subsequent years.
“We continue to send more students abroad; this year, over 40 students will be sent. We have agreements with countries like Hungary, and we are looking to collaborate with China and South Korea,” he said.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to establish local educational programs. For example, the University of Rwanda has already confirmed the launch of such programs, and similar plans are underway at technical and vocational schools.
Regarding the plant’s location, Dr. Ndahayo confirmed that the final site has not yet been decided, as feasibility studies are still ongoing. However, he is confident that suitable land for the plant exists in Rwanda.
Dr. Jimmy Gasore, the Minister of Infrastructure, emphasized that small modular reactors (SMRs) are safer and more aligned with Rwanda’s energy needs.
He explained that large plants producing over 1,000 MW are not practical in many parts of Africa. Instead, small plants producing up to 100 MW are more appropriate for Rwanda’s capacity.
As the minister, these reactors require less land and are less likely to cause significant environmental risks compared to larger plants.
Rwanda is working closely with various nuclear energy companies to explore technologies, including the nuclear reactor, which is the core component of the energy plant.
The reactor uses uranium to produce heat through nuclear fission, which is then converted into electricity. A single gram of uranium can generate 1 MW of energy per day, which is equivalent to the energy produced by three tons of coal.
As of January 2025, Rwanda had already achieved a capacity of generating 406.4 MW of electricity. With the new nuclear plants, the country aims to significantly increase its energy output.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, during the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola, marking a milestone for the first tri-national Public-Private Partnership (PPP) of its kind, involving Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Rwanda.
The 206 MW hydropower plant, located on the Ruzizi River between western Rwanda and eastern DRC, is expected to deliver reliable electricity to approximately 30 million people across the three nations.
The project will nearly double Burundi’s current power capacity, increase Rwanda’s by 30%, and provide critical baseload power to eastern DRC, fostering economic growth, regional integration, and energy security in one of Africa’s most underserved regions.
Anzana, known for developing and operating power projects across Africa, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, with plans to acquire a minority equity interest in RHPCL.
“As an American company committed to powering opportunities across Africa, Anzana is proud to join RHPCL and the governments of Burundi, DRC, and Rwanda at this pivotal moment,” said Brian Kelly, CEO of Anzana.
“Through this partnership, we are not only powering homes, communities, and industries, we are helping to drive regional integration, strengthen energy security and stability, and pave the way for expanded U.S. investment and trade in Africa’s energy future,” he added.
RHPCL’s Director, Aleem Karmali, echoed this sentiment, stating, ““The Directors of RHPCL are enthusiastic about this potential strategic alliance and, assuming a successful outcome of the partnering process, look forward to harnessing Anzana’s expertise and experience to realize the full potential of the Ruzizi III Project, extending critical energy access and fostering development in the region.”
The two parties aim to finalize a binding Partnership Agreement by September 15, 2025, with Anzana acquiring at least a 10% equity stake in RHPCL.
The agreement will define governance, investment commitments, and future collaboration, setting the stage for a project that promises to transform the energy landscape of Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC.
In a statement on Wednesday, AfDB said the funds will be drawn from the Bank Group’s Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF) and are expected to lay the groundwork for the Kigali Urban Cable Car Project.
The 5.5 km aerial transit system, valued at $100 million, promises to ease traffic, cut emissions, and connect communities to vital services.
The project is designed to become a cornerstone of Kigali’s green and inclusive urban mobility strategy.
The first phase of the project will connect two major corridors: from Nyabugogo Taxi Park to the Central Business District (CBD), and from the Kigali Convention Center to Kigali Sports City, linking key landmarks such as Amahoro Stadium, BK Arena, and the new Zaria Court.
Construction is expected to commence in late 2026, with commissioning scheduled for 2028. Once operational, the cable car will carry more than 50,000 passengers daily, offering a 15-minute end-to-end commute and integrating seamlessly with the city’s broader transport network.
“This transformative project aligns perfectly with the Bank’s vision for sustainable, green, climate-resilient urban mobility infrastructure,” said AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.
“By financing Rwanda’s urban cable car system, we are investing in a scalable model of low-carbon, inclusive public transport that cities across Africa can emulate.”
The project is deeply embedded in Rwanda’s national priorities, including its Green Taxonomy, E-mobility Strategy, and Climate and Nature Finance Strategy. It also supports the country’s ambition to reduce carbon emissions by 38% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
The feasibility study will incorporate best practices from successful systems in cities like La Paz, Bolivia, and Singapore. It will emphasise universal access, particularly for persons with disabilities, and promote inclusive employment opportunities, especially for women, youth, and low-income residents. The study will also assess the project’s viability gap to guide investment and risk management.
Solomon Quaynor, AfDB’s Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure, and Industrialisation, called the grant “a game-changing milestone,” adding that “through the UMDF, AfDB is laying the foundation for an investment-ready green infrastructure asset that offers both impact and returns.”
According to Imena Munyampenda, Director General of the Rwanda Transport Development Agency, the project will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The financing strategy for the $100 million infrastructure will combine grants, concessional loans, technical assistance, and blended finance. Alongside the Rwandan government and the AfDB, partners such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Africa50, Trade and Development Bank (TDB), Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), private sector investors, and the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA) are expected to contribute.
The project builds on previous UMDF support for Rwanda, including the Kigali Urban Transport Improvement project, and is expected to be a showcase for investment during forums such as the Africa Investment Forum (AIF).
In an exclusive interview on the Long Form Podcast with host Sanny Ntayombya in Nairobi, Lumumba proposed a radical restructuring of the DRC’s governance to address systemic issues fueling the conflict, including weak state institutions, colonial-era borders, and ethnic exclusion.
Lumumba suggested that the Kinshasa administration convene an all-Congolese meeting, including all rebel groups, to discuss a confederation model inspired by Switzerland.
“A confederation that has a very loose centre, a loose centre that only takes care of defence, takes care of foreign affairs, and takes care of what I call national coordination,” he said.
He argued that granting regions autonomy in policing and policy formulation would “unburden the centre” and address grievances driving rebellions like M23, which he described as a “symptom” and “reaction” to exclusion.
Without such measures, Lumumba warned, the DRC risks becoming “more and more ungovernable,” potentially leading to de facto division despite international recognition of Kinshasa’s authority.
In Switzerland, the confederation model functions as a federal state with a strong emphasis on subsidiarity and direct democracy. It’s a system where power is distributed across three levels: the Confederation, the cantons, and the communes, each with its own specific powers and responsibilities.
The principle of subsidiarity dictates that tasks should be handled at the lowest possible level of government, and the Confederation’s powers are limited to those explicitly granted by the Federal Constitution.
This robust decentralisation ensures that cantons and communes retain significant autonomy over local matters like education and policing, while citizens actively participate in governance through frequent referendums and initiatives, fostering a bottom-up approach to decision-making that requires both a national majority of votes and a majority of cantons for key federal decisions.
The cantons are akin to states or provinces, serving as the primary administrative divisions with a high degree of sovereignty. Communes, also known as municipalities, are the smallest political units, analogous to local towns or villages.
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The M23 rebellion, fighting against decades of marginalisation and persecution of Congolese Tutsis, earlier this year captured large swathes of territory in eastern DRC, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu.
There are ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict, particularly through Qatar’s involvement in mediation and the African Union-led process, but challenges remain, with the rebels accusing the Kinshasa administration of acting in bad faith by refusing direct talks, blocking confidence-building measures such as prisoner releases, and deliberately undermining peace efforts.
Lumumba criticised the Tshisekedi administration for its reluctance to engage in meaningful dialogue and for expelling East African forces that had been deployed to separate belligerents in 2023.
He further expressed concern over the involvement of foreign mercenaries in the conflict, including those linked to Erik Prince’s Blackwater, warning that external actors are exploiting the DRC’s instability to extract its natural resources.
“There are powers and principalities outside the Democratic Republic of Congo… who believe an unstable and disorderly Congo is necessary for their well-being,” he said, citing historical exploitation by colonial powers like Belgium.
Beyond the DRC, Lumumba offered insights on other pressing African issues. He praised Burkina Faso’s Captain Ibrahim Traoré as a symbol of resistance against neo-colonialism, particularly French influence, but cautioned against oversimplifying his role.
“The jury is still out as to his actual performance,” Lumumba noted, urging that Traoré’s rise not be reduced to “empty slogans” or Russian propaganda.
He emphasised the need for a broader movement to sustain such momentum, warning that individuated leadership risks elimination, citing historical figures like Thomas Sankara and Patrice Lumumba.
On Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, Lumumba lauded his disciplined governance post-1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, crediting him with Rwanda’s remarkable recovery, under “very difficult circumstances”.
Lumumba also addressed the ongoing conflict in Sudan, describing it as a “war of egos” between leaders like Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo. He lamented the destruction of Sudan’s infrastructure and economy, warning that the proliferation of mercenaries and drones could lead to a “society that will take generations to revive.”
He called for stronger African Union intervention to resolve such conflicts, criticising the organisation’s reliance on external funding.
Reflecting on global perceptions of African leadership, Lumumba expressed dismay at U.S. President Donald Trump’s public berating of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa over claims of “white genocide” during his visit to America in May.
He described the incident as painful but suggested Ramaphosa’s calm response may have mitigated the humiliation.
“When history is written, [Trump] will be the one who will be humiliated,” he said, though he questioned the timing of Ramaphosa’s U.S. visit.
Lumumba’s overarching message was a call for African unity to counter neo-colonialism and internal dysfunction. He criticised African elites for their selfishness and lack of patriotism, which he said perpetuates a “culture of scarcity” and impunity.
Quoting the late Ghanaian President Kwame Nkrumah, he urged the continent to speak with one voice diplomatically and economically to resist external exploitation.
“A united Africa will immunise us from the diabolical machinations of others,” he said. “A disunited Africa will be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”
Speaking in an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Amb. Weiss shed light on Israel’s grave concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the ongoing conflict, and the broader implications for regional and global stability.
“Any country has the right, not only the right, the obligation, for self-defence of its people,” she asserted.
The interview, conducted two days before the U.S. struck three Iranian nuclear sites, highlighted Israel’s long-standing warnings and its determination to neutralise what it perceives as an imminent existential threat.
Amb. Weiss revealed that the conversation was taking place during a “massive attack by Iran” targeting civilian areas in Israel, resulting in dozens of injuries. She expressed regret that the international community had not heeded Israel’s warnings about Iran’s nuclear program over the past three decades.
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According to the envoy, Israel recently detected Iran’s rapid progression towards acquiring nuclear weapons, prompting its actions, which she insists are in self-defence.
“Iran had or held a mass that can create nine nuclear bombs in a very short period,” she stated, emphasising that “from the moment we realised it to the moment Iran could have held nuclear bombs, it could be days.”
She explained that Iran possessed enough 60% enriched uranium to produce nine nuclear bombs, with the final enrichment stages taking only days.
Two days after the interview, President Donald Trump disclosed that his administration had obliterated three Iranian nuclear sites in a surprise attack.
“Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated,” Trump declared. “Our objective was the destruction of Iran’s nuclear capacity and to eliminate the threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”
Beyond the nuclear threat, Amb. Weiss detailed Iran’s extensive ballistic missile program. Israeli intelligence indicates that Iran is preparing to produce approximately 3,000 ballistic missiles per year, capable of reaching 2,000 kilometers.
“There’s no country in the world, even Israel, of course, in the size of Israel, and even much, much bigger countries in size, that can hold an attack of, let’s say, an accumulation of 3,000 in a year,” she stressed.
For Israel, this dual threat has rendered the situation “imminent,” placing the security of the state at grave risk.
Amb. Weiss noted that Israel’s operations in Iran are highly surgical, meticulously targeting elements of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs.
“The attacks are very much to the, I would say, really surgical elements of harming the elements of the nuclear program and the ballistic programs,” she explained.
She reiterated Israel’s stance that it “will do whatever it takes to remove the threat from the table.”
The ambassador also highlighted the recent elimination of nine nuclear researchers and scientists, emphasising the importance of targeting expertise to hinder the program’s resumption.
“The biggest problem is that when you have people who are experts, even if you take down the targets and you don’t take down the experts, the resumption of the program will be very fast,” she noted.
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Amb. Weiss affirmed Israel’s strong and continuous collaboration with the U.S. government.
“We are in touch with the US government, and we are in touch with them, and of course, we’re working in accordance with conversations, and we’re not alone flyers in the world,” she stated.
She underscored that the decision to act was not made lightly but out of the understanding that “there’s no time to wait anymore.”
The envoy criticised countries that have supported Iran in multilateral arenas, arguing that such support undermines international safety and prosperity.
Ambassador Weiss also pointed to the recent declaration by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran is a non-compliant state, validating Israel’s long-held concerns about Iran’s refusal to cooperate with international inspectors.
Ambassador Weiss characterised the Iranian regime as “disturbing, malign, terroristic” and responsible for direct threats not only to Israel but to the entire Middle East, Western countries, and Africa through its proxies and terror cells.
She stated that removing the regime was not a declared target of the current operation, but acknowledged that such a development would “benefit the entire world.”
Amb. Weiss refuted any comparison between Iran and other regimes, asserting that the internal unrest within Iran is unrelated to Israel and stems from the regime’s long history of repression against its own people. She detailed the economic hardship faced by Iranians, contrasting it with the regime’s allocation of billions to terror entities.
Warning of Iran’s actions, the ambassador emphasised that Iran’s aspirations extend beyond Israel, noting its ballistic missiles are capable of reaching Europe and citing a stated goal to “hit the US, we want to hit Israel, and we want to hit the West… heavily.”
She warned of a “massive, massive threat not only to Israel, of course, but to the entire world” if Iran were to possess nuclear warheads.
Discussing regional dynamics, Ambassador Weiss noted that relations between Israel and the Abraham Accords countries have remained unaffected since October 7, indicating a shared concern about Iran’s actions. She believes that a Middle East without a nuclear-armed Iran would lead to greater stability.
Amid the escalating conflict, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has accused Israel of initiating the current conflict and making a “grave error” that will lead to their “ruin.” Iranian officials consistently label Israeli actions as “clear and flagrant breaches of international law” and “unprovoked aggression.”
The list was compiled by British magazine Time Out.
Published at the end of last week, the ranking focused on buildings with remarkable history, exceptional architectural design, or unique features that make them stand out.
The Kayonza-based structure was ranked 22nd. It earned its spot due to its distinctive architectural style, particularly the way its bricks are arranged to form patterns inspired by Imigongo, a traditional Rwandan art form.
The building is also praised for its versatility. It includes a multi-purpose space that can easily be transformed into a meeting room, classroom, or auditorium—all with minimal adjustment.
Most of the materials used to construct the building were locally sourced in Rwanda, and women and girls made up 40% of the workforce involved in the construction.
The design of the centre was done by BE_Design, a New York-based firm. The building was inaugurated in September 2022.
This isn’t the first time the building has gained international recognition. In 2023, it was among the contenders for the prestigious Architizer A+Awards.
The Komera Leadership organisation, which built the centre, works to empower women and girls with skills and knowledge, aiming to improve their lives and impact their communities.
Topping the Time Out list is the world-renowned Taj Mahal in India. It is followed by Hallgrímskirkja in Iceland, and Egypt’s Pyramids in third place. Ad-Dayr in Petra, Jordan, ranks fifth.
The Fondation Louis Vuitton in France is in sixth place, while the Trinity College Library in Ireland comes in seventh.
The decision to shut down this vital route is seen as a strategy by Iran to pressure Israel and the U.S. to cease their military actions.
The closure of the Hormuz Strait is linked to the U.S. strikes on Iranian targets. Iran intends to use the closure as leverage to influence its adversaries and halt military aggression.
After the Parliament’s decision, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council began discussing the implementation of the resolution.
The Hormuz Strait lies between Iran and Oman and sees the daily transit of between 16 million and 21 million barrels of oil, accounting for 20% of the global oil transport.
Oil-producing countries in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), including Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kuwait, heavily rely on this route to export oil, primarily to Asia.
Countries allied with the U.S. also use the route for transporting oil. In response, the U.S. stationed warships in Bahrain to protect commercial vessels passing through the strait.
A closure of Hormuz would severely disrupt the economies of many countries as oil is a key energy source and an essential driver of economic development globally. Economic analysts predict that the price of crude oil could soar from $74 per barrel to between $120 and $130.
Although the closure would significantly harm Iran, which depends heavily on the route for its own oil exports, it would also impact its allies, including China, which imports around 90% of its oil from Iran.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that in the first quarter of 2025, Saudi Arabia transported 5.3 million barrels of oil per day through the Strait, Iraq 3.2 million barrels, and the UAE 1.8 million barrels. Iran itself exported 1.5 million barrels per day.
Vandana Hari, founder of energy intelligence firm Vanda Insights, told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia” that the possibility of closure remains “absolutely minimalistic.”
If Iran blocks the strait, the country risks turning its neighboring oil producing countries into enemies and risks hostilities with them, she said.
Furthermore, a closure would also provoke Iran’s market in Asia, particularly China, which accounts for a majority of Iranian oil exports.
“So very, very little to be achieved, and a lot of self inflicted harm that Iran could do” Hari said.
However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on China to use its influence with the Iranian government to discourage Tehran from closing the Strait of Hormuz.
“I encourage the Chinese government in Beijing to call them about that, because they heavily depend on the Straits of Hormuz for their oil,” Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser, told Fox News.
“If they do that, it will be another terrible mistake. It’s economic suicide for them if they do it. And we retain options to deal with that, but other countries should be looking at that as well. It would hurt other countries’ economies a lot worse than ours.”
In the past, Iran had threatened to close Hormuz in retaliation against the U.S., but never followed through. This time, attention is on Iran’s security council, which will make the final decision.
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Rwanda is one of the countries that imports oil through the Hormuz Strait. For oil to reach Rwanda, it passes through the Arabian Gulf, then through the Indian Ocean to either Mombasa, Kenya, or Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
During a discussion with parliamentarians on June 19, 2025, Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Jimmy Gasore, explained that disruptions in the Hormuz Strait could affect Rwanda due to potential price hikes.
“[…] A disruption there would impact the global market, and consequently, Rwanda. We would likely experience a price increase or reduced import volumes,” he said.
Rwanda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente, informed Parliament that since the emergence of conflict between Israel and Iran on June 13, Rwanda has set up a task force to assess potential impacts on the country.
“We are closely monitoring the situation with daily updates on oil prices, our national reserves, weekly imports, and how it affects shipments from Dar es Salaam or Mombasa,” he said.
Currently, Rwanda has seven oil reserves containing 117.2 million liters of petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel. The country has taken steps to build up its reserves to mitigate the effects of fluctuating prices due to international conflicts.
This plant is one of three expected to be built in the different districts of Kigali. The first one is being constructed in Nyarugenge District at Giti cy’Inyoni as part of the Kigali Centralized Sewerage System project.
The plant is projected to cost $63 million (over 100 billion Rwandan Francs) and will be completed within two years.
It will consist of 92 kilometers of underground pipelines across the Kigali districts of Nyarugenge, Gitega, and Muhima.
Rather than allowing people to dispose of wastewater into open pits, the wastewater will be directed into large pipes that will carry it to the plant for treatment.
The plant will have the capacity to treat 12,000 cubic meters of wastewater per day. Initially, the system will handle wastewater from over 208,000 households.
Experts have highlighted that wastewater pits can cause problems by weakening the ground, making buildings prone to collapse, especially in hilly areas.
WASAC Group CEO, Prof. Omar Munyaneza, explained that the project’s aim is to stop the excavation of pits, instead using the pipes to direct the wastewater to treatment plants.
“Instead of continuing to dig pits, we will transport the water and treat it before returning it to rivers or wetlands, rather than letting it flow where it can endanger lives, especially in hilly areas,” he said.
Prof. Munyaneza added that the treatment plant at Giti cy’Inyoni will begin construction next month after a thorough study was carried out to ensure the project’s success.
“This is a long-awaited project for many Rwandans. We took the time to carefully study it to ensure its quality and proper implementation because this is the largest project related to sanitation that the country is about to start.”
He further stated, “In the coming month, we will begin construction at Giti cy’Inyoni, and in the following months, we will begin digging the trenches for the pipes.”
Prof. Munyaneza also mentioned that they will begin discussions with residents living in business areas to ensure no major disruptions occur when large pipes are installed.
“We are working with several agencies to ensure the project doesn’t interfere with other developments. As you know, there are underground power lines, communication cables, and other utilities, which we will carefully consider. We have also collaborated with RTDA to ensure there is no damage to roads,” he said.
The CEO explained that the initial focus will be on the Commercial Quarter and other areas to direct wastewater through the pipes for treatment at Giti cy’Inyoni.
“We will collect wastewater from households in places such as Onatracom, Biryogo, Kiyovu, Cercle Sportif, Kanogo, and RSSB. All the wastewater from these areas will be collected and directed to the treatment plant along with the water from Nyabugogo and Cyahafi,” he added.
Prof. Munyaneza further mentioned that, apart from the Giti cy’Inyoni project, another treatment plant will be built in Kicukiro, while another will be placed in Murindi to cater to wastewater treatment in those areas as well.
WASAC Group also announced that a treatment plant will be established in Gasabo, with its location in the Karuruma wetlands.
“While these two last projects are not yet underway, their studies have been completed, and we are still looking for the necessary funding to start them. The Gasabo plant will be built in Karuruma Wetland so that we can ensure all of Kigali’s wastewater is properly managed,” he explained.
Prof. Munyaneza emphasized that these wastewater treatment plants will help improve sanitation in Kigali, where many areas have suffered from foul smells due to untreated wastewater being channeled into open spaces without proper treatment.
He also mentioned that in areas with steep terrain, such as Jali, it will be challenging to install pipes, but another plant will be built in Masaka to collect wastewater from residents living in such areas.
He noted that the delay in building the Giti cy’Inyoni plant was due to changes in the Kigali Master Plan, which transitioned from the 2013 version to the 2020 version.
He also mentioned that the expansion of the Kigali-Muhanga road was coordinated with this project to avoid any conflicts between the two developments.
The Rwanda Development Board (RDB) recently announced that the funding was part of the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), a seven-year development plan that has now been concluded.
The projects have so far resulted in the establishment of 631 hotel rooms along the country’s scenic lakes, including Lake Kivu, Lake Ruhondo, and Lake Burera.
RDB Deputy Chief Executive Officer Juliana Kangeli Muganza said the growth of lakeside tourism is not only diversifying Rwanda’s hospitality offerings but also contributing to broader economic development.
“As more hotels are established to cater to visitors, we see other economic activities emerging,” Muganza said. “These investments are creating jobs and supporting communities.”
Figures from the Rwanda Chamber of Tourism indicate that the number of private tourism establishments rose sharply from 450 in 2018 to 1,360 by 2023. The government now aims to increase the national hotel room capacity from 10,000 to 35,000 over the next five years.
In Karongi District, located along the northern shores of Lake Kivu, authorities report a notable increase in tourism infrastructure. More than 14 hotels are now operational in the district, drawing both leisure and research visitors.
Karongi Mayor Gerald Muzungu said hospitality investments are creating demand in related sectors such as food supply chains, transportation, and construction.
“Hotels are creating demand in food supply chains, transport, and other services, boosting job creation far beyond the hospitality sector,” Muzungu noted.
One of the standout projects is Château Le Marara, a newly opened European-style hotel located on a peninsula in Bwishyura Sector. The facility is already hosting guests and events while sourcing fresh produce from local suppliers, according to interim General Manager Solange Kayondo.
Beyond formal employment, the lakeside tourism boom is generating a wave of informal job opportunities. Workers such as painters, masons, and porters are finding steady income from construction and hotel maintenance.
According to RDB, the lakeshore projects completed so far have created approximately 364 jobs, with another 400 positions expected as ongoing projects are finalised.
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The broader hospitality and tourism sector in Rwanda currently employs around 165,000 people, a number that is projected to rise with the ongoing expansion of infrastructure and services.
Officials say lakeside tourism will remain a central pillar in Rwanda’s long-term economic development strategy, with plans to deepen investments and promote sustainable, community-driven growth.
