Industrial park development starts

Government has cleared about 20 hectares in Nyandungu paving way for industries to be built in place, State Minister for Industries and Export Promotion said. The planned park will be located in Nyandugu, 10 kilometers on the Eastern edge of Kigali City. The move comes when Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (Rema) is up in arms saying Gikondo and Mburabuturo among others industrial areas are located in the wetlands. If the industries move to a planned area, government technocrats say it will ease planning and also protect the environment from degradation. A senior government official says Rwanda economic growth is fast, but at stake if not well planned. Karega, said 20 hectares will be developed but latter all the 100 hectares will be cleared to allow the private sector construct industries in the area. “Clearing and compensation of land owners may cost government Frw2.4 billion,” he said. Karega further said once the clearing and feasibility study is complete, industrial utilities will be connected, paving way for industries to be constructed but under the government model standards set. It is proposed that each district and province in the country will have a designated area for an industrial park as per the industrial master plan, which is under formulation. Currently, an international consultancy company called AH consultancy Group is carrying out research on the country’s industrial sector. The researchers will compile data on industries, including where they are located (map) and their operational conditions. The data will be used to design and draft the country’s first industrial master plan. According to Francine Umurungi, the director of trade and industries, the industrial master plan is expected to ease the ministry’s work of managing and improving of domestic trade thus balancing socio-economic development in the country. Claire Akamanzi, deputy director of Rwanda investment and export promotion authority is optimistic, with all the intended utilities in place, investment promotion will be eased. Ends