Authorities in Rubavu have launched a major urban greening initiative, with plans to plant 17,000 trees for beautifying the town and building resilience against climate change as part of broader efforts of positioning as a secondary city to Kigali.
Tree-planting efforts go beyond aesthetics and ability to thrive in an urban, with ornamental species like Royal Palm and Sena spectabilis expected to enhance public spaces and roadsides, and species of avocados, mangoes, and guavas set to provide local residents with a source of food for food security and environmental resilience.
“These trees will not only provide shade and greenery but also contribute to local food security,” explained Jean Claude Murangwabugabo, the Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
As the town now expanded in Rubavu, Gisenyi and Nyamyumba Sectors, other trees are set to be planted on farmlands to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion, which is a major concern in the hilly landscape of Rubavu town, as part of agroforestry.
Planting ornamental trees will respond to climate change within the town, according to Murangwabugabo, strategically placed trees can cut air conditioning costs by 30-50 percent.
“By providing shade, they reduce the amount of solar radiation that hits structures and pavement. This, in turn, reduces electricity demand for cooling, which decreases the amount of fossil fuels burned by power plants and, consequently, lowers greenhouse gas emissions,” he added.
With tree planting initiatives, authorities believe that they will also contribute to establishing long-term solutions to such climate-related issues notably flooding which faces the town.
“Trees help to manage stormwater runoff in several ways [where] their leaves and branches intercept rainfall, slowing its descent, ” he noted. “Their root systems and the surrounding soil absorb and filter a significant amount of water hence this reduces the strain on urban drainage systems and can help prevent local flooding and soil erosion.”
Greening Rubavu District Program also includes constructing a modern landfill at Rutagara to improve waste management and promote recycling and installation of public waste bins for waste collection and promoting better disposal habits among residents.
“These integrated efforts—combining urban planning, infrastructure development, waste management, and sustainable energy—demonstrate a holistic approach to making Rubavu a green, resilient, and economically vibrant secondary city,” Murangwabugabo added.
Francine Uwineza, Executive Secretary of Gisenyi Sector, believes that urban greening will see Rubavu town “beautified as a tourism and business gateway,” revealing a target of planting up to 5,000 trees in her sector alone.
Deogratias Nzabonimpa, Vice Mayor in Charge of Economic Development, called upon residents to actively participate in the project by adopting a “culture of tree planting”, shunning from cutting trees in disorganized manners.
“Everyone needs to know the negative effects of environmental issues,” said Nzabonimpa. “So, we need to be cautious and raise awareness within our families so that no trees will be cut in disorder.”
The project, with an estimated budget of Rwf 20-25 million, also seeks more funds from Joint Development Application (JAD).
The New Times
