Every year government and partners organize a month of activities, events and discussions around urban sustainability in October. This year in Rwanda, Urban October activities will encompass creating awareness and sharing knowledge around the theme of municipal solid waste management, and building sustainable and resilient cities.
To celebrate “Urban October” the Global Green Growth Institute with District of Huye and University of Rwanda organized “Urban Walk” in Rwanda’s rapidly urbanizing secondary city: Huye.
During the Urban Walk participants visit the Ethnographic Museum in Huye
The “Urban Walk” brought together more than 50 participants that learned about history of the city, plans for cities extension and upcoming infrastructure projects. Director of Infrastructure One Stop Center of Huye, Mr Jean Pierre Musafiri welcomed participants of the “Urban Walk” and provided information on upgrading the business center of Huye, briefed on progress of constructing tarmac roads with the support of World Bank and shared city’s vision for upcoming master plan.
Previously, GGGI supported the District of Huye by facilitating the process of preparing District Development Strategy 2018-2024, and currently supporting revision of master plan. In addition GGGI supported Huye District by undertaking an in-depth situation assessment of solid waste management in Huye and worked with the Ministry of Infrastrucutre, Rwanda Housing Authority and University of Rwanda on mapping and assessing public spaces in Huye showing underutilized potentials of green open spaces within the city, a theme discussed in detail during the “Urban Walk”.
Mr Jean Pierre Musafiri , Director of Infrastructure One Stop Center welcomes participants and joins the Urban Walk.
Huye secondary city is known as a centre for knowledge and higher education. It is also a cultural Capital of Rwanda where the National Museum complex sits at and is home to Rwanda’s national Intore dance troupe.
Dr. Manlio Michielleto, Dean of School of Architecture and Built Environment of University of Rwanda guided the participants through city’s historic areas highlighting importance of built heritage for prosperous and vibrant city of culture and knowledge, ending the walk at the University of Rwanda Campus with examples of architecture built in a span of almost 100 years.
Dr Manlio Michielloto, elaborates on the historic significance of the Queen Rosalie Gicandas House
GGGI Rwanda Country Representative Ms. Inhee Chung thanked partners that collaborated in organising the event to advocate and promote urban issues. In 2018, GGGI Rwanda launched “Urban Walks” initiative in Rwanda to bring awareness on the importance of green cities and green buildings to the general public. In previous months, “Urban Walks” were organized in the city of Kigali and Nyagatare District.