After suffering significant losses from heavy rains, particularly among those living in or near wetlands, Rwanda initiated the relocation of residents and businesses to safeguard the lives of its citizens.
The country where verdant wetlands once thrived, communities have long sought refuge and sustenance. However, the escalating impacts of climate change have transformed these havens into zones of peril. Unpredictable weather patterns, intensified rainfall, and subsequent flooding have rendered wetland settlements increasingly hazardous.
The human toll of climate change
In Kigali, the capital city, the consequences have been stark. Between 2018 and 2023, over 300 severe rainstorms resulted in 3,249 injuries and significant infrastructural damage. Tragically, 45 lives were lost to landslides, lightning, and other rain-induced disasters within a mere three-month span . Wetlands, once natural buffers against such calamities, have been compromised by urban encroachment and degradation.
REMA’s intervention and relocation efforts
Recognizing the urgency, the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) initiated a comprehensive strategy to mitigate risks and restore ecological balance. A pivotal component involved relocating residents from high-risk wetland areas. In Kigali alone, approximately 6,515 unauthorized activities were cleared from wetlands, with residential structures constituting 82.6% of these removals. Notably, Gasabo District accounted for 4,787 of these evictions.
While these measures aimed to safeguard lives, they also sparked challenges. Some residents, despite longstanding habitation and tax contributions, reported receiving no compensation, leading to temporary displacements and hardships.
Restoring wetlands and building resilience
Beyond relocations, REMA has spearheaded efforts to rehabilitate degraded wetlands. A $27 million project, funded by the Global Environment Facility and other partners, targets the restoration of 491 hectares across five key wetlands in Kigali. This initiative is projected to benefit over 220,000 residents by mitigating flood risks and enhancing water quality .
Complementing these efforts, the Green Gicumbi Project focuses on constructing climate-resilient housing for vulnerable populations. In sectors like Rubaya and Kaniga, 200 green homes are being built, accompanied by support for sustainable agriculture and livestock rearing .
Rwanda’s proactive approach underscores the intricate balance between human habitation and environmental stewardship. While challenges persist, especially concerning equitable resettlement, the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience offers a blueprint for harmonizing community welfare with ecological preservation.
