Editor, In the editorial of The New Times on Monday 23rd February 2009, you called upon the city authorities to ‘walk the extra mile and deliver’. I wish to inform the readers on what Kigali city is doing to solve the issues that were raised in the editorial. On the issue of Kigali City Park the city, primarily Kigali city is a majority shareholder in this public private partnership project. We have worked together with all shareholders in addressing the issues that came up later in the implementation of the project; like the need to conduct an environmental impact assessment and the modifications of the project after the assessment was conducted. When Dubai World showed a willingness to buy up the investment, the city authorities worked with all the shareholders in the liquidation process of Kigali city park project. In December 2007, Kigali city even contracted KPS Associates a certified accounting firm to conduct a valuation of the Kigali city project. The city has been working hand in hand with other shareholders for the successful closure of the project until Dubai World put on hold its investment in Kigali. Nevertheless, the Kigali city is working with the other shareholders and the central government in bring on board more shareholders and that means more equity that will help capitalize the project. This will help service the loans and pay other creditors of the project. On the issue of civil servants who bought land in Gasabo district, the district authorities are set to refund the Presently Kigali city and Gasabo district are in a process of developing detailed physical plans for Rusoroso area. So by the end of this month (March) a solution to this problem will be presented. Kigali city is working around the clock to solve these and other issues. We request the city dwellers support the implementation of the new city master plan. It is only when we strictly follow what is set in the master plan that we shall build a more prosperous, sustainable and beautiful city. Bruno RangiraDirector of Media and CommunicationsKigali City Council
