More than Rwf3 billion is needed for expropriation to pave way for the construction of Nduba modern sanitary landfill in Gasabo district, according to Merard Mpabwanamaguru, City of Kigali's vice-mayor in charge of urbanisation and infrastructure.

Also read: Nduba landfill to be shut down, modern facility in offing

He said this while explaining waste management in Kigali city in a talk show organised by Rwanda Journalists Association (ARJ) that was aired on different media houses in Rwanda.

He added that 821 properties have so far been expropriated while about 80 property owners are yet to be expropriated due to budget constraints.

"Currently, we need more than Rwf3 billion to expropriate properties on a site where a modern sanitary landfill has to be constructed. There are 23 property owners we want to expropriate this fiscal year. Of them, 17 households have already submitted to the city council documents including land titles so that they get compensation by the end of February,” he said.

The households to be expropriated this month could get Rwf517 million compensation and expropriation of other households will be gradually carried out when funds become available.

The sanitary modern landfill could have different features which include a section that receives methane gas discharged from the landfill, water, organic manure among other byproducts.

At least 70 per cent of waste in Kigali is organic, 30 percent is solid waste that can be recycled of which 10 percent are plastic bottles.

Also read: 70% of waste in Kigali to be converted into fertilizers.

With the high organic content in the waste, there is methane gas generation at the site which causes both fires and greenhouse gas emissions.

The landfill gas will also be recovered for energy production.

Waste in Kigali to increase to 900 tonnes per day

The vice-mayor said that between 500 and 600 tonnes are currently dumped at Nduba landfill.

According to estimates, waste in Kigali has increased threefold since 2006 but it has been difficult to sort the waste at the landfill for better utilization.

"According to a recent study done by the City of Kigali in partnership with WASAC, waste in the capital could increase to 700 tonnes per day by 2025 and 900 tonnes per day in 2030 due rapid urbanization and population growth. That is why there is a project to construct a modern sanitary landfill in Nduba to sort out and recycle this waste,” he said.

Nduba landfill was opened in 2012 after closing Nyanza dumping site in Kicukiro district.

Also read: Nyanza landfill finally closes, new site opens

Meanwhile toilet waste will no longer be dumped in Nduba as Kigali Faecal sludge treatment plant is about to be constructed in Masaka sector, Kicukiro district.

Also read: City of Kigali to set up fecal sludge treatment plant in Masaka.

The plant will have capacity to treat 500 cubic metres per day of sewage.