Consult more on proposed Gikondo artificial lake

This is a great idea. My concern is that if the project is not thoroughly studied by experts, we could have flooding during heavy rains. Where will the lake’s boundaries be?

Monday, February 13, 2017
Rwanda Environment Management Authority is considering creating an artificial lake in the wetland once all industries have been relocated. File

Editor,

Re: "REMA mulls creation of artificial lake at Gikondo Industrial Zone” (The New Times, February 6.)

This is a great idea. My concern is that if the project is not thoroughly studied by experts, we could have flooding during heavy rains. Where will the lake’s boundaries be?

Will it go all the way to Nyabugogo sweeping everything in its way like the Executive Car Wash and those slams along the road to Nyabugogo?

Hydrologists, landscape engineers need to be consulted.

Having said all that however, once done, it will be the greatest environmental project in the country’s history.

It will once again demonstrate that Rwanda is not shy of punching above its weight!

Akright

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This is a good and possible move, from industrial zone to an artificial lake and park. I know of one facility of similar history in Mexico.

It was once an industrial park and was later transformed into an artificial lake and a very beautiful park surrounding the lake.

Visitors pay some little fee and spend time in the boat learning about the history of the city. You can see the wall across the river with historical information of the city expansion programme. Thumbs-up!

Richard Niwenshuti

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Great idea! Kigali will be even more beautiful and very attractive to visitors and locals as well, once the proposed artificial lake becomes a reality.

A water mass of any size adds beauty to any city.

Most cities in the western hemisphere were built near water bodies be it ocean, lake or a river. Even most of African cities built by colonialists were also built near water masses.

However, proper planning that includes learning from other countries what sports activities can be enjoyed on the lake is also necessary.

We should not hesitate to hire experts to design the lake even if it will cost money since the benefits that will come from our city’s attractiveness will be much greater.

In my view, the proposed artificial lake should also have an artificial sand beach. I also think that the lake should not occupy the whole area.

A public park and children swimming pool should also be considered.

Seth