As the population in Kigali continues to grow, the quality of air deteriorates due to urbanization and the destruction of forests. This issue contributes significantly to the increase in respiratory diseases and the occurrence of flooding, which also causes significant damage to both individuals and the country at large.
In 2023, 471,171 people in Kigali sought treatment for respiratory diseases at various health facilities, accounting for 9% of the national total for that year, according to Dr. Sibomana Emmanuel, head of the department for the control of respiratory diseases at the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC).
He notes, “In 2022, 11,501,888 people across the country visited health facilities, and 38% of them were treated for respiratory diseases. This data shows that we are breathing polluted air, which is especially problematic in Kigali. This highlights the serious issue of deforestation.”
Dr. Sibomana also points out that research indicates an increase in the number of respiratory disease cases. Between 2012 and 2015, the number of patients nationwide rose from 1,628,321 to 3,331,300, with 13% of those cases linked to polluted air.
Urbanization and Its Impact on the Air Quality
The research further reveals that in 2012, 2,200 people died due to respiratory diseases. In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, Rwanda allocated $7.5 million towards addressing respiratory diseases, including tuberculosis. This allocation indicates that forests play a crucial role in providing clean air, reducing the incidence of respiratory diseases, and lowering treatment costs.
Flooding: A Consequence of Deforestation
In addition to the loss of clean air, deforestation is contributing to increased flooding in Kigali and other areas, which has caused harm to individuals and businesses. Ntakiyimana Vianney, a retailer in Nyabugogo, explains, “Before the construction of the drainage system, rainwater would flood the area, entering the shop and damaging goods. One day, rainwater destroyed over 800,000 Rwandan Francs worth of products. I had to build a barrier to prevent water from entering, but it still didn’t solve the problem.”
He adds, “In the past, when it rained, water from Nyamirambo would flood into Nyabugogo. However, now that the drainage system has been built, water is diverted properly, preventing damage. I appreciate the government’s intervention.”
The impact of flooding is significant for small businesses. According to research from the Institute of Policy Analysis and Research (IPAR Rwanda), small businesses lose 178.2 million Rwandan Francs annually due to flooding, especially in areas like Nyabugogo and Gatsata.
Measures to Mitigate Flooding
The city of Kigali has spent 7.7 billion Rwandan Francs to improve the drainage system, such as the Mpazi drainage near Nyabugogo, reducing flooding in the area and providing relief to local businesses.
Kigali also invested 2 billion Rwandan Francs in relocating and resettling people affected by flooding from the Mpazi River to protect their lives. The city plans to spend between 100 to 150 million dollars to upgrade Nyabugogo’s bus station to make it more resilient to flooding.
The Importance of Reforestation
A university professor specializing in environmental economics, Abias Maniragaba, commends the government’s initiative to relocate people living in areas prone to flooding, such as above Nyabugogo in Gatsata. He explains, “In areas where houses have been built without consideration for water drainage, the removal of forests worsens the situation. Rainwater cannot penetrate the soil and instead flows down, causing significant damage. Deforestation is a major issue, as trees filter the air we breathe, and without them, we face serious consequences.”
The Mayor of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva, emphasizes the city’s commitment to reforestation and increasing green spaces, saying, “We aim to plant three million trees in Kigali. We encourage every citizen to plant trees or grass on their land. This will help reduce water runoff, improving both the air quality and the environment.”
Continued Efforts in Reforestation
Nsengumuremyi Concorde, the Director General of the Rwanda Forest Authority, urges citizens to plant and take care of trees. “We are working on projects to plant trees in hilly areas, and citizens are encouraged to protect them. With industrialization and the rise in car emissions, it is essential to increase the number of trees in Kigali to ensure cleaner air.”
The government continues its reforestation efforts, planting millions of trees annually. In 2023, over 62 million trees were planted, with plans to plant around 65 million trees this year.
In conclusion, reforestation is a key strategy for addressing the challenges of air pollution and flooding in Kigali, contributing to a healthier environment and reducing the costs of treating diseases and managing natural disasters.
