Why Kigali is a world class city in the making

Kigali is no doubt becoming one of the most conspicuous modern cities by all definitions. From a tiny town a few years ago to a dynamic urban setting with a beehive of activities taking place round the clock. The city rises up on a tree-covered slope built on beautiful terrains with extraordinary level of upkeep. The city’s planning is a vivid product of the modernist ideal that has kept transforming and depicting the aspects of twenty first-century life. Modern units have been designed and constructed from every corner to provide facilities for all types of activities. Kigali is fast becoming a consummate modern metropolis, and a host of mushrooming skyscrapers. It is constantly evolving, mutating, overriding its past and rushing headlong into the future. This synergy is what makes Kigali one of the most upcoming world decent cities. Many aspects are indicators of the city’s thriving development. Beyond the aesthetic delight, Kigali is rising as a well-designed city with every amenity at disposal. There is hardly evidence of new slums that currently bring a nightmare to most of the developing countries. Kigali’s suburbs are organised informal settlements flourishing in serene environment. For instance, as many cities struggle to achieve cleanliness by legislation, Kigali is a definite proof that motivation and communal spirit works best. The city’s roundabouts are so well-kept and the grass so well-maintained. The roads are sparkling clean with stretches of green palm trees, strengthening the growing belief that Rwanda is actually the greenest metropolis of Africa. The shopping stalls, and food and beverage outlets are set in a network of attractive public spaces and pedestrian friendly atmosphere. Kigali’s Central Business District is home to various modern commercial buildings, office complexes and hotels developed within a walkable environment, decorated litter bins indicating what to do in case you want to drop a chewing gum or any litter, attractive footpaths dotted with green grass and lively activities. A seismic population shift is taking place; the formerly homogeneous city now attracts a diverse influx of newcomers seeking economic and social advancement. These patrons get the best treat and flexible services beyond their desires and aspirations. Their testimonies have always depicted Kigali as a top-notch city that brings people together, make them feel equally at ease, enable them do business with peace, and to unwind when they want to. In terms of entertainment, the City of Kigali has evolved from small pubs to fabulous hangouts fit for local and international stars status. The city has places where people meet in the evening for drinks and delicious bites. The night life in Kigali is a mixture of cocktails, bars, nightclubs and cinemas. These exciting joints basically bring more life and level of interactions that often comes with new bondage amongst everyone; youth, elderly, locals and foreigners. Kigali’s public transport network goes hand-in-hand with its growth, expansion and improvements. There are modern buses and cabs that offer round-the-clock, cheap and safe means of transport that allow people to move with ease in both their work and personal life. The rare cases of traffic jams are swiftly controlled allowing motorists to have smooth rides all-day long. The new bus station in town is another development that brings glamour; its great design may make one more likely to think of modern electric train stations due to its innovative and stylish architecture. There is also superior infrastructure in all the city’s cosmopolitan areas. It is not in Kigali where you would expect potholed streets and garbage smells anywhere in the capital. Having a relaxed moment and catching up with the trendiest topics online is no big deal. Most of the joints across town have the Internet readily available. Rwanda’s focus to become a technological hub has allowed Kigali to have one of the cheapest internets in the region. Indeed, in several ways, Kigali seems to be heading to the bigger league of world capitals. Kigali is proven evidence that there is no miracle recipe to make a city safer, solve insanity, eliminate messes, and increase diversity. There has not been any magical trick to come up with this but the hard work the Government and the people of Rwanda have demonstrated. Of course, it is the cleanest, the safest and one of the most beautiful cities in the world – you can attempt to Google this! While a lot more still needs to be done, it is clear that the ever-changing face of Kigali will continue to help put Rwanda on the global map. oscar_kim2000@yahoo.co.uk

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Why Kigali is a world class city in the making