Ruhango District, one of the eight districts of the Southern Province, has got a detailed land use master plan to be implemented until 2050, according to the National Land Authority (NLA). ALSO READ: Land use master plans for six districts to be complete by end of 2025 Ruhango town is projected to accommodate 250,000 people in a land area of 3,350 hectares, while Kinazi, Byimana, and Gitwe-Buhanda centres are planned to be urban centres. These urban centres are projected to accommodate some 74,000 people. ALSO READ: New land use masterplan is in line with Vision 2050 Housing development will require upgrading informal settlements for the existing city and the suburban centres, as well as promoting 4-in-1 (building with four separate housing units) and 8-in-1 residential houses (building with eight separate housing units), to progressively reduce the size of rural residences. The New Times looks at key five projects that are poised to transform Ruhango District. Flagship agro-processing industrial zone The industrial zone aims to promote agro-processing factories. The factories will process sweet potatoes, cassava, beans, rice, coffee, fruits, maize, and spices. ALSO READ: 70% of industrial parks operational as gov’t woos more investors These industries will produce using modern technology, add value to the produce, and supply the products to both local and international markets. Nyirakiyange Eco-Park According to the district land use master plan, Nyirakiyange wetland will be transformed into an eco-park on 3.6 hectares, with the construction of infrastructure to accommodate visitors and tourists, including hotels and other facilities. The district land use master plan has designated ecotourism and open space zones on an area of 17 hectares. It also includes the development of the Kamegeri rock as ecotourism zone, covering 8.9 hectares. A study of the development of 14 potential touristic sites identified by the master plan will be conducted. Developing heritage and religious tourism centre The district is already a hub of religious domestic tourists. ALSO READ:How religious tourism is benefiting youth and women in Ruhango Tourism sites such as Kwa Yezu Nyirimpuhwe shrin and the Gitwe area will become international religious pilgrimage centres. A prayer garden, Religious Heritage Museum, an Interfaith Dialogue Centre, and accommodation for pilgrims will also be constructed. Southern Corridor Trade Centre Ruhango District is in the middle of Southern Province, known as the “Southern Corridor,” which connects the satellite cities of Bugesera, Muhanga, and Huye. This is what makes Ruhango District a trade centre for businesses between cities. Coffee plantations and irrigation In the Amayaga region, particularly in the sectors of Mwendo and Kinihira, the master plan project will promote irrigation and connect radical terraces with agricultural water channels. Coffee plantations will also be established on hillsides, and the initiative is expected to increase agricultural productivity.
