MINISTERIAL ORDER N° 008/25/10/TC OF 28/07/2025 ESTABLISHING LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN OF RWAMAGANA DISTRICT

Ingingo ya mbere: Ishyirwaho Article One: Establishment Article premier : Établissement Ingingo ya mbere: Ishyirwaho Article One: Establishment Article premier : Établissement Hashyizweho cy’imikoreshereze by’ubutaka cy’Akarere ka Rwamagana. mbonera n’imitunganyirize igishushanyo The land use and development master plan of Rwamagana District is established. Il est établit le schéma directeur d’utilisation et d’aménagement des terres du District de Rwamagana. Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/20253

Ingingo ya 2: Ibigize igishushanyo mbonera Article 2: Composition Article 2 : Composition Ingingo ya 2: Ibigize igishushanyo mbonera Article 2: Composition Article 2 : Composition Igishushanyo mbonera cy’imikoreshereze n’imitunganyirize by’ubutaka cy’Akarere ka Rwamagana, kigizwe n’ibi bikurikira: The District land use and development master plan of Rwamagana District is composed of the following: schéma directeur Le et d’aménagement des terres du District de Rwamagana est composé de ce qui suit : d’utilisation (a) raporo rusange mbonera n’imitunganyirize cy’Akarere; y’igishushanyo cy’imikoreshereze y’ubutaka (a) the main report of the District land use and development master plan; (a) le rapport général du schéma directeur d’utilisation et d’aménagement des terres du District ; (b) amakuru ndangahantu y’igishushanyo (b) zoning plan; (b) le plan de zonage ; mbonera; (c) amabwiriza agenga bikorwa ryacyo. ishyirwa mu (c) zoning regulations. (c) le règlement de zonage.

Ingingo ya 3: Itangazwa Article 3: Publication Article 3 : Publication Ingingo ya 3: Itangazwa Article 3: Publication Article 3 : Publication (1) Raporo rusange y’igishushanyo cy’imikoreshereze mbonera n’imitunganyirize y’ubutaka cy’Akarere ka Rwamagana iri ku mugereka w’iri teka. (2) Amakuru ndangahantu y’igishushanyo mbonera cy’Akarere ka Rwamagana n’amabwiriza agenga ishyirwa mu bikorwa ryacyo bitangazwa ku rubuga rwagenwe rw’ikoranabuhanga imicungire n’urwego rufite (1) The main report of the land use and development master of Rwamagana District is annexed to this Order. plan (1) Le rapport général du schéma directeur d’utilisation et d’aménagement des terres du District de Rwamagana est annexé au présent arrêté. (2) The and zoning plan the zoning land use and regulations of development master of plan Rwamagana District are published on the website designated by the organ in charge of land use management. du schéma (2) Le plan de zonage et le règlement de directeur zonage d’utilisation et d’aménagement des terres du District de Rwamagana sont publiés sur le site web désigné par l’organe ayant l’utilisation et la gestion des terres dans ses attributions. Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/20254 n’imikoreshereze nshingano. by’ubutaka mu

Ingingo ya 4: Igihe igishushanyo mbonera kimara Article 4: Period of validity Article 4 : Période de validité Ingingo ya 4: Igihe igishushanyo mbonera kimara Article 4: Period of validity Article 4 : Période de validité Igishushanyo mbonera cy’imikoreshereze n’imitunganyirize by’ubutaka cy’Akarere ka Rwamagana gikurikizwa kugeza mu 2050. The land use and development master plan of Rwamagana District is implemented until 2050. schéma directeur Le et d’aménagement des terres du District de Rwamagana est mis en œuvre jusqu’en 2050. d’utilisation

Ingingo ya 5: Ivugururwa Article 5: Revision Article 5 : Révision Ingingo ya 5: Ivugururwa Article 5: Revision Article 5 : Révision (1) Igishushanyo mbonera cy’imikoreshereze n’imitunganyirize by’ubutaka cy’Akarere ka Rwamagana gishobora kuvugururwa cyose nyuma y’imyaka icumi cyangwa ikindi gihe bibaye ngombwa uhereye ku munsi gishyiriweho. (1) The land use and development master plan of Rwamagana District may be comprehensively reviewed after ten considered years necessary its establishment. or whenever the date of from (2) Ivugururwa ry’igishushanyo mbonera cy’imikoreshereze n’imitunganyirize by’ubutaka cy’Akarere ka Rwamagana rishobora kandi gukorwa rireba agace gato ngombwa bitabangamiye iterambere ry’utundi duce kandi hakurikijwe amategeko abigenga. bibaye igihe (2) The land use and revision of development master of plan Rwamagana District may also be done on a specific area, when considered necessary, without compromising the development of other in accordance with relevant laws. areas (1) Le schéma directeur d’utilisation et d’aménagement des terres du District de Rwamagana peut être entièrement révisé après dix ans ou chaque fois que cela est jugé nécessaire à partir du jour de son établissement. (2) La révision du schéma directeur d’utilisation et d’aménagement des terres du District de Rwamagana peut également être effectuée sur une zone spécifique, en cas de besoin, sans compromettre le développement des la autres zones conformément à législation en la matière. Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/20255

Ingingo ya 6: Ingingo y’ururimi Article 6: Language provision Article 6 : Disposition linguistique Ingingo ya 6: Ingingo y’ururimi Article 6: Language provision Article 6 : Disposition linguistique Iri teka rw’Ikinyarwanda. ryateguwe mu rurimi This Order was drafted in Ikinyarwanda. Le présent arrêté a été rédigé en Ikinyarwanda. Article 6 on funds being channelled through the district. Map 22: Distribution of Education Facilities across the district Land for educational and research facilities have been allocated 476 ha. For efficient use of land and shared use of resources, the following is recommended: a) For sports facilities, underground exploitation should be done especially for Secondary Levels Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 112 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025134 b) For classrooms, vertical construction to a maximum of 4 levels should be explored c) All schools should have all levels (Pre-Nursery, Nursery, Primary and Secondary) within the same plot d) Pre-Nursery can be accommodated in non-school compounds like residential buildings, churches, community halls especially those that are used only over the weekend to ensure distance travelled is not more than 500m e) Universities, TVET and other forms of higher learning can be offered within the same centres by utilising underground and multi-story buildings rather than building horizontally for efficient land utilisation. 4.7.1.4 Planning Challenges and Proposals The main challenge is ownership of land, in the areas where settlement has been allocated for 2050. The ideal would be to construct schools on government land or in partnership with religious institutions that own or can acquire land. Where there is a need for a school due to distance to existing ones, education can be an overlay on the zoning plan for future negotiations and possible development. 4.7.2 Healthcare facilities Rwamagana District has various healthcare facilities including hospital (Provincial Hospital), health centres, health posts, maternity units and private dispensaries. According to various standards, best practice is to provide 6 beds for every 1,000 residents. District DDS indicates that the performance of the district against key health care indicators are as follows; ✔ Use of contraceptive modern methods is at 59.5% ✔ Births attended by skilled health professionals is at 77.5% ✔ Percentage of pregnant women receiving antenatal care is at 35.8% ✔ 281,814/311,798 (90.4%) people are covered under community-based health insurance (CBHI). 4.7.2.1 Existing situation for healthcare services in Rwamagana District Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 113 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025135 Rwamagana District has various healthcare facilities distributed in the major settlements within the district. Rwamagana District is served by 23 health facilities with 1 provincial hospital, 15 health centres, 8 health posts and 10 private dispensaries. 4 health centres have internet connectivity. The average walking distance to access a healthcare service centre is between 45-60 minutes according to EICV 4 data. The healthcare facilities in Rwamagana District have inadequate health infrastructure with limited specialised staff considering the population and travelling distance to access these facilities. Map 23: Distribution of Health facilities in Rwamagana district Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 114 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025136 4.7.2.2 Spatial Organization as per NLUDMP 2020-2050 Any new health facility to be built within urban and rural settlement boundaries will require vertical construction for efficient use of land. As per the NLUDMP 2020-2050, the following guidelines are to be considered;  Community healthcare will be organised in clustered rural settlements sites.  Health posts (0,06 ha each): 3,000 for future proposed rural settlement sites (496 in 2019)  Health centers (0.2 ha each): 2 / Sector = 832 (499 in 2019)  District hospitals (2 ha each): 2 / District = 60 (36 in 2019)   Provincial Hospital (3 ha each): 2 per Province =8 (4 in 2019) Referral hospitals (4 ha): 10 4.7.2.3 Planning Implications There are 15 Health Centres and 8 Health Posts in the district. To achieve the NLUDMP 2020-2050 target of a total of 28 Health Centers, Health Post in all rural settlement sites and two District Hospitals, additional healthcare facilities must be provided. Considering healthcare facilities which were already built on excessive land, which is bigger than the NLUDMP 2020-2050 recommendations. The land required to meet the healthcare targets for the district equals 55.1 ha. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 115 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025137 Map 24: Location of Healthcare Centres vs Rurban and Rural Settlements Public utilities 4.7.3 Water supply Water and sanitation are a critical component of the development. WASAC, the body responsible for water and sanitation, has two sources of water with treatment plants. Lake Mugesera, which mainly serves the Sectors of Muyumbu, Nyakaliro, Nzige, Gahengeri and Karenge, generates 15,000 m3/day with only 3,000 m3/day allocated to Rwamagana. Lake Muhazi generates 7,000 m3/day according to WASAC office in Rwamagana) and supplies Kigabiro, Gishari, Mwulire, Munyiginya, Musha and Muhazi Sectors. Three sectors (Fumbwe, Munyaga and Rubona) are served by private water distributors. The volume from the water treatment plants is not enough, and WASAC has acquired more land near Lake Mugesera to construct a water treatment plant expected to generate 1,500 m3/day. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 116 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025138 Figure 36: WTP and Intake at Karenge All the above provides access to improved drinking water to 90.5% of the population. The main sources of drinking water in Rwamagana District being 36% of households using public tap (out of the compound), 32% protected spring, 5.8% use lakes/streams/ponds/surface water, and 3.6% of households using unprotected spring. (RPHC 5, 2022) The average time travelled to get to a drinking water source is estimated at 12 minutes. (EICV 5) 4.7.3.1 Water distribution Upon treatment, the water is distributed and stored in various reservoirs in the district. Water is pumped through the piped water network to supply potable water to the communities. The water distribution network is split into a primary and secondary system of PVC pipes. The primary network ensures the supply of water to different tanks around the district. The secondary network supplies most of the public taps and individual household connections. The piped water network from Lake Muhazi supplies water to existing urban areas in Kigabiro, Muhazi, Mwulire, Musha, Munyiginya and Gishali Sectors. The piped water network from Lake Mugesera supplies water to the Sectors of Nzige, Karenge, Muyumbu and Nyakariro. Kigabiro and Muhazi Sectors have the most extensive water supply network with water storage tanks and tap stands. The existing water supply Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 117 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025139 network extends up to the sub-urban Sectors such as Musha, Gishari, Munyiginya, Mwulire etc. WASAC policy effective 2030 mandates that 10% of household water usage come from rainwater. Map 25: Water Distribution in Rwamagana District Figure 37: Overheard storage tanks in Muhazi Sector in Rwamagana Source: Field Photo 2022 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 118 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025140 4.7.3.2 Current Water Demand for Rwamagana According to WASAC, average consumption of water in the district is estimated as follows: Source Supply (m3/day) Served sectors Muhazi WTP 7,000 Muhazi, Kigabiro, Gishari, Munyiginya, Mwulire and Musha Karenge WTP 4,321 Nzige, Muyumbu, Nyakariro, Gahengeri and Total 11,321m3/day Karenge Table 25. Volume of water supplied to Rwamagana District by WASAC from WTPs Sector Total number of inhabitants Current demand 2022 (2022) (m3/day) Fumbwe 28,644 Gahengeri 31,293 Gishali 30,077 Karenge 28,376 Kigabiro 40,085 Muhazi 31,008 Munyaga 20,968 Munyiginya 23,549 Musha 26,664 Muyumbu 34,443 Mwulire 29,683 Nyakaliro 28,940 Nzige 19,295 3581 1565 1504 3547 5011 1550 1048 1177 1333 4305 1484 3618 965 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 119 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025141 Rubona 30,494 Total 403,519 Population Table 26: Current demand 1525 32,213 The extensive water network and the existence of public facilities and newer residential developments at Kigabiro Sector with indoor plumbing causes water consumption in the area to hit as high as 80-100 litre/capita/day (lpcd). Water consumption in sub-urban neighbourhoods such as in Musha, Gishari, Munyiginya, Mwulire ranges from 12–25 lpcd. They collect water mainly from the public tap stands by jerrycans. The National Water Supply Policy states that a minimum of 20 l/person/d should be supplied in rural areas, and 80 l/person/d in urban areas. This implies that significant improvements are required for the district. In view of the unbalanced water consumption rate in Rwamagana District, the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) has initiated a city-wide goal of 80 lpcd. At present, WASAC can only supply an average of 45 lpcd of potable water to the satellite city. The water deficit has initiated plans for extension of the existing Muhazi Water Treatment Plant and the Karenge WTP, that compliments the country’s potable water supply. 4.7.3.3 Identified challenges in water supply The identified challenges in water supply in Rwamagana District are as follows: ✔ Lack of coordination between stakeholders in the built-up environment ✔ Ageing infrastructure that will be need replacement ✔ Current supply is lacking behind the demand leading to rationing ✔ Knowledge and know-how in extraction of underground water ✔ Management of water losses (about 20% is lost along the networks) 4.7.3.4 Issues on water treatment plants in Rwamagana District Water treatment plants in Rwamagana District have the following issues: Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 120 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025142 a) Key issues on Muhazi WTP ✔ Encroachment of settlements on Lake Muhazi and Lake Mugesera ✔ Dumping and pollution of the lakes; ✔ The water level decline in the river due to upstream deforestation; ✔ Lack of water management skills – which can be addressed through training of District technicians on sustainable water management measures; b) Key Issues on Karenge WTP ✔ Flooding of intake during heavy rainy season (April to May) implying the increase in turbidity in raw water quality due to inflow from Akagera River ✔ The increased water demand in eastern parts of Kigali City and western areas of Rwamagana District exceed the current production of the plant. ✔ Exhausted forwarding infrastructures and clear water storage reservoir at WTP level ✔ Electrical power fluctuations 4.7.3.5 Future planning proposals a) Water Demand Projection The projection for water demand has been calculated based on the three settlement categories. These are; ✔ Rwamagana Satellite City with a projected population of 800,000 by 2050 according to NLUDMP 2020-2050 ✔ Rurban Centers of Nyagasambu, Muyumbu-Nyakaliro and Karenge with a projected population of 79,500 by 2050 ✔ Rural Settlement sites with a projected population of 240,000 by 2050 Based on WHO and NWSMP recommendations, the water demand per user for each respective area is as Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 121 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025143 follows: ✔ Urban Areas (City)= 80l/p/d ✔ Rurban Areas=60 l/p/d ✔ Rural areas=40l/p/d ✔ Commercial=32kl/ha/day ✔ Industrial =24kl/ha/day b) Water demand by land use The land use where water is consumed the most is residential land use followed by commercial, and industrial. Land Use Demand Residential Rural Rurban Urban Commercial Industries Table 27 Water demand by land use 40 60 80 32 3,200 24 2,400 Unit l/person/d l/person/d l/person/d kl/Ha/d m3/km2/d kl/Ha/d m3/km2/d Most calculations only consider rural and urban areas, however given that NLUDMP 2020-2050 has introduced a third tier of habitation, the Rurban Centers, the average of the two represents the expected usage of this category. Given that the urban area master plan was approved, its water demand has been calculated. However, for the purpose of the overall 2050 water estimation for Rwamagana District, a projected demand for a city population of 800,000 by 2050 is 64,000m3. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 122 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025144 Map 26: Land use and water Supply showing areas with no connection c) Water Demand for Rurban areas The population projection for Rurban Centers is 79,500, by 2050. The water demand is estimated as per the table below. Area (ha) Vol in m3 2035 Vol in m3 2040 Vol in m3 2050 Muyumbu-Nyakaliro 1,837.38 4,472.04 6,241.8 12,157.2 Karenge 774.3 1,931.64 2,695.86 5,131.08 Nyagasambu 562.15 1,623.42 2,265.78 4,412.58 Total 3,173.83 8,027.1 11,203.44 21,700.86 Table 28: Water demand for Rurban Areas d) Water Demand for Rural Settlement Sites Using a similar methodology for rural settlements sites and taking 40l/p/d the water requirement for 2050 will be 10,000m3. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 123 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025145 Area (ha) Vol in m3 2035 Vol in m3 2040 Vol in m3 2050 Rural Settlements 7,531 5,000 7,500 10,000 The total volume of water estimated for Rwamagana District by 2050 is 95,700m3. Given the current deficit and that by 2035 intake from Lake Muhazi extension will not be possible, there is a need to expand WTP at Karenge on Lake Mugesera by almost three times the current generation of 15,000m3. An ongoing expansion will increase production at Karenge WTP to 48,000m3/day. Noting that out of the 15,000 m3/day currently produced, only 20% is retained for Rwamagana District. Assuming the same principle, out of 48,000 m3/day, 9,600m3/day is retained for Rwamagana District. Combined with what is produced from Muhazi (7,000m3/day), the total supply for Rwamagana District will be 16,600 m3/day by 2025. 4.7.3.6 Proposed strategies to meet water demand  Standpipe at within 500m from all settlements in Rural areas and parts of Rurban Centers which have been zoned under R1A  Integrate the standpipe with protected springs and wells  Use solar and manual means to pump underground water, thus avoiding use of electricity and diesel  Implement policy on use of 10% from rainwater. Where possible all administrative buildings and public facilities (schools, hospitals) should be constructed with rain water harvesting mechanisms  Reuse of greywater, especially in the gardens Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 124 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025146 4.7.4 Energy planning Resilient and sustainable energy provision is required to mitigate climate change. There has been improvement in photovoltaic batteries and use of solar energy. Renewable energy, especially solar, should be explored to ensure that Rwamagana becomes a green sustainable District. Investment in capacity and human resource will be key in this area. The energy sector is systemically and intrinsically linked to almost all sectors of the economy such as transport, housing and urbanisation, manufacturing, agro-processing, mining and ICT services. This linkage to all economic sectors makes the energy sector pivotal to the growth and welfare of the Rwandan economy. Electricity is an essential driver of modern technology and socio-economic development. Its use is required at low levels for devices such as lights and mobile phones, as well as at high levels for industrial processing activities that contribute to economic value- added products and job creation. Grid-based electrification is the primary solution for urbanised areas in Rwanda. Off-grid solutions, in the form of solar home systems and mini-grids, can be used to increase power supply to the urban area by serving customers in lower consumption tiers. The Rwanda Electricity Access Roll out Programme (EARP) remains the flagship driver to achieve the primary electricity access targets via on-grid solutions. The Energy Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP) highlights challenges per sector of the electricity utility environment. The main challenges in the generation sector are achieving the appropriate supply-demand balance, reaching a sustainable mix of generation sources which includes renewable energy technologies, infrastructure maintenance and obtaining investment funding. It is important to note that the energy mix targets are established and monitored at national level, with a key focus on reducing fossil-fuel dependency. Efforts by the local authority in exploring local power generation options directly servicing the urban and district area, can enhance the national targets. The ESSP lists the transmission sector challenges as alignment between transmission and generation infrastructure including cross-border interconnections, infrastructure maintenance and investment funding. Further challenges are identified in ensuring expanded electricity access, and ensuring efficiency in energy consumption. 4.7.4.1 Existing situation The main electrical substation in Rwamagana District is the Musha upgraded substation. The major 110 kV transmission line is hydroelectric. Transformers then feed into 15 kV transmission lines serving the City of Rwamagana as well as other rural sectors. The district has a reliable power supply due to the practice to install the power lines after the area has been developed. This is evident as many houses are located Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 125 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025147 directly beneath the overhead electrical power lines. Access to electricity stands at 67.6% (RHPC 5). According to the ECIV 5 report, firewood is the main source of fuel used for cooking by the rural population (76.8%), followed by charcoal (17.7%) and crop waste (4%). In terms of fuel for lighting, the percentage of households using electricity as the main source of energy is 28.1%, followed by batteries (9.1%), candles (7.8%), lanterns (4.1%), and oil lamps (3.3%). 46.1% of households use solar panels. In 2014-2015, Rwamagana Solar Power Plant was installed with a capacity of 8.5 MW. It has been established that the current status of household connection stands at 54% on-grid and 17% off-grid. Map 27: Electricity Connectivity 4.7.4.2 Planning Approach for what constitutes Energy Sector Planning for electricity requires provision of space for the main components that form the electricity production and distribution network, i.e. power generating stations, electric substations, overhead lines and underground cables. For the purpose of the zoning plan for Rwamagana District, the main components that Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 126 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025148 will require space are; ✔ High Voltage Overhead lines ✔ Sub-stations ✔ Transformer locations It has been argued that electric overhead infrastructure should not constitute a land use but rather be placed in the zoning plan as an overlay so that the ground can be allocated to other possible land uses. 4.7.4.3 Key strategies ✔ Energy Saving ✔ Energy Efficiency ✔ Renewable Energy (biogas, solar, hydro) ✔ Close working relationship with industry and stakeholders ✔ Building design should allow for natural daylight intake, especially public institutions ✔ Alternative sources of cooking energy ✔ Increase and promote education in conservation to avoid deforestation Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 127 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025149 Source of energy for lighting Electricity from REG Private Hydro Mini grid Solar power Generator/Batteries Kerosene/Paraffin/Lantern lamp Biogas Candles Firewood Flashlight/phone flashlight Other Not Stated and Population Housing Census 2022 (%) 53.0 0.2 14.5 1.0 1.3 0.0 4.6 0.8 24.2 0.5 0.0 Table 29: Distribution of private households by main source of energy for lighting Main source of energy for cooking Firewood Charcoal Gas Other main source of energy for cooking Do not cook Not stated Population and Housing Census 2022 (%) 73.7 22.0 2.4 0.3 1.5 0.0 Table 30: private households by main source of energy for cooking. Figure 38: Solar Energy in Rwamagana Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 128 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025150 4.7.5 Information and communication and technology (ICT) The rapid development of ICT in Rwanda has seen the development of other sectors that has led to ⮚ Development and digitalisation of government services such as the emergence of Irembo services across the country especially near all administrative Sectors ⮚ Home deliveries and growth of e-commerce In Rwamagana District, the current status shows that; ▪ 5 schools with Internet connection ▪ 4 Health Centres with internet ▪ 3 public spaces with free Wi-Fi ▪ ICT at Sector level designed to support citizens (2 Sectors and 4 administrative Cells lack internet connection). 4.8 Agriculture, livestock and apiculture in Rwamagana District Rwamagana District plays an important role in the agricultural sector in Rwanda. It is one of the districts under the Sustainable Agriculture Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP) intervention sites in Rwanda, whose main development objective is to increase agricultural productivity, market access, and food security of the targeted beneficiaries. It highlights how agricultural intensification has improved land conditions, reduced extreme poverty and food scarcity, highlighting the significance of agriculture to the country's socio-economic development and serving as a source of inspiration for youth groups to begin farming. It also highlights the restoration of 20,782 ha of banana plantations and the founding of 28 banana farm field schools. 4.8.1 Existing situation Although 40,262 ha of land have been allocated for agriculture in Rwamagana District, productivity is low. Approximately 85% of farmers still use old seeds rather than improved and certified seeds. This implies that if farmers are persuaded to use improved seeds, the agriculture production may prosper. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 129 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025151 Figure 39: Main crops that are cultivated in Rwamagana District Main challenges for agriculture ● Land fragmentation and soil degradation. ● Size of land available for agriculture and population density. ● Land use conflicts. ● Low levels of productivity due to low input use, poor production techniques and inefficient farming practices. Addressing these challenges requires integrated solutions, including land consolidation, soil conservation efforts, improved land-use planning, and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. 4.8.2 Irrigation Rwamagana District has a huge potential for irrigation with lakes Muhazi and Mugesera, Sumu and Nyabarongo rivers, marshlands, and areas are evenly spread with potential to construct dams, giving an opportunity for different types of irrigation. According to the Directorate of Agriculture at the district, a number of irrigation projects have been established in an effort to increase productivity. For example, in the Sectors of Rubona and Mwulire, 1,000 ha have been provided with modern irrigation facilities. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 130 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025152 Figure 40: Potential Area for Irrigation Figure 41: Rice cultivated in marshland Rwamagana District has a favourable climate for agriculture, fertile soil and water sources for irrigation which make it very potential in the field of agriculture. 4.8.3 Agriculture land slope classification in Rwamagana District The varied slopes of Rwamagana District provide a diversity of land suitable for agriculture. Gentle inclines (0-6%) make up 7% of the area's farmland, offering ideal conditions for cultivation. An even larger portion (83%) has moderate slopes ranging from 6% to 30%, which is also well-suited for growing crops. Steeper Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 131 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025153 slopes (30%-55%), accounting for 9% of the land, can still be used for some agricultural purposes. However, a small area (1%) with slopes exceeding 55% is considered environmentally sensitive and should be protected. Slope Category Agriculture Land (ha) % of agriculture land Gentle slope (0-6%) 2,951.5 Moderate slope (6-30%) 33,354.5 Steep slope (30-55%) 3,738.1 Very steep slope (above 55%) Total 218.3 40,262.4 7% 83% 9% 1% 100% 4.8.4 Existing situation of Livestock Livestock is not just a source of milk, meat, and animal products, it also contributes to income generation and food security. The land at higher elevation in Rwamagana District, with the prevailing temperate climate, have favourable conditions for breeding of cattle. In addition, modern farming is practised with an improved breed of cattle. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 132 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025154 Type of Livestock Number Cattle Goats Sheep Pigs Chicken Rabbits 29,975 36,955 5,788 14,988 181,790 9,291 Table 31: Livestock number in Rwamagana District 4.8.5 Pisciculture farming in Rwamagana Although fishing has never been a major economic activity in Rwamagana District, the available data indicates that there are fishing areas, and in 2013, the fishing harvest was 1,438 tonnes, although in 2008 the fishing harvest was at 3,316 tonnes. The trend is not clear and the report does not include the causes of this fluctuation. Moreover, an increase in fish harvests does not indicate the health of fish stocks, but rather points at overfishing. Year 2008 2013 2020 Production in tones 3,316 1,438 51,316 Table 32: Pisciculture production in Rwamagana District (Rwamagana District, Directorate of Agriculture and Natural Resources 2021) NLUDMP 2020-2050 recommendation on agricultural land protection According to the NLUDMP 2020-2050, agricultural land should be protected. Gradual reduction of dependences on agriculture will be achieved by increasing economic activities in the service and industry sectors. Farmers should not be more than 30% of the projected population, with an average land per farmer consolidated to 1.5 ha. Scattered homesteads in rural areas will gradually be eliminated to allow for mechanisation and technology in agriculture. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 133 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025155 4.8.6 Planning perspectives of Agriculture, Livestock and Pisciculture ❖ Climate-smart agriculture: Introduce drought-resistant crops and improved irrigation systems to make better use of water resources, especially near Lake Muhazi and Lake Mugesera. ❖ Establishment of vertical farming techniques to increase agricultural output in urban areas or on limited land. ❖ Introduce high-yielding breeds of cattle, goats, and poultry to improve milk, meat, and egg production. ❖ Veterinary clinics: Increase access to veterinary services in rural areas to improve animal health and reduce livestock mortality rates. ❖ Use of modern beehive practices. Challenges facing Livestock and Pisciculture in Rwamagana District ❖ The major challenges for livestock development are inadequate milk collection centers, modern slaughterhouses, and hatchery plants. ❖ Low exploitation of the fishing industry for both Lake Muhazi and Lake Mugesera. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 134 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025156 4.9 Environmental and natural resources Rwanda is a natural resources-based economy, and therefore environment and climate change issues are a key priority and cross-cutting area that needs to be enhanced as stated in various medium and long-term national planning and strategic documents. Based on this, the key to planning and implementing the NLUDMP 2020-2050 is to ensure harmonisation of land allocation for each sector while at the same time ensuring that there are targeted efforts to the conservation of natural resources and promotion of their sustainable use. The NLUDMP 2020-2050 assessment grouped the environment into three key components, namely: Natural Resources, Biodiversity Protection, and Environmental Quality Component Sector. The evaluation gives guidance on critical aspects that need to be considered by various other sectors. It provides policy orientations that need to be undertaken under each of the environmental sub-sector going forward. Protected and conserved areas are fundamental for achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals, the current land cover (in 2019) includes land for conservation in the form of National parks, protected wetlands, water bodies and forests which makes up 10,818 Km2 (41.07%) of the total Rwandan area. Based on the proposed national land use balance sheet, which is based on a total country area of 26,338km2. According to the NLUDMP 2020-2050, the environment and natural resource’s theme has been allocated the second highest land use of 9,925 km² representing 37.7% of the country. Rwanda’s socio-economic development is dependent on the environment and natural resources such as land, water, forest, air, minerals and biodiversity. The Environment and natural resources (ENR) contribute significantly to the economic growth of the country. However, the sector faces challenges due to the inefficient use of natural resources as a result of unsustainable investment trends and pressure by other land use sectors. Forests have a significant role to play in Rwanda’s national development. They provide 86% of the primary energy source mainly as domestic cooking energy, and they hold the base for the country’s tourism opportunities. In addition, forests protect watersheds and downstream wetlands, supporting agriculture and generate products of the country’s export revenues. Further, forests are a vital component of the life-support system and ecological benefits. Under the forest resources, the vision of Rwanda is to achieve and sustain forest cover at 30%. The most recent data on forestry in Rwanda based on the 2019 forest cover, indicated that the forest cover in Rwanda is about 30.4% (7,246 km2). 53.5% of the forest cover are plantations, 23.3% is wooded savannah in the East, 18.1% are natural mountain rain-forests, and 6.1% are shrubs. In addition, bamboo stands occupy 613 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 135 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025157 hectares and its plantations are mainly grown in the buffer zones of rivers (Rwanda Forest Cover, 2019). In terms of forest density and tree cover, about 318,434 ha are very dense forests (44%), 234,004 ha are moderately dense (32%), 146,222 ha are sparse (20%) and 26,035 ha are much degraded (4%). The Southern and Western Provinces contain 50% of the total forests of which 174,199 ha are in the Western Province and 177,537 hectares are in the Southern Province. The Eastern Province holds up to 38% of the total forest land (274,630 hectares). The Northern Province contains only 85,688 ha and Kigali city remains with only 12,641 ha (Rwanda Forest Cover, 2019). 4.9.1 Existing Situation of forests in Rwamagana Rwamagana District is dominated by scattered tree species. Crops such as maize are intercropped with trees such as mango, avocado and Grevillea. Senna spectabilis, Eucalyptus spp and Grevillea are commonly planted along roads with few scattered trees on farmland. Various projects promote soil conservation techniques (progressive terraces) using agroforestry species (Leucaena diversifolia, Grevillea robusta, Senna spectabilis) and grasses such Trispsacum spp. In the pasture, Euphorbia spp is used for fencing and demarcation of the plots. Banana plantations are often delineated by Senna spectabilis. According to the 2019 Rwanda forest cover mapping, forests in Rwamagana District cover 8,933 ha, about 14% of total district land area of which forest plantations are 8,612 ha (96% of the total district forest areas) and shrubs are 321 ha (only 4% of the total district forest areas). The highest forested sectors are Fumbwe sector (19%), Nzige (18%), Musha (17%), Kigabiro and Gahengeri (16%). The least forested sectors are Muhazi (7%), Gishari and Munyiginya (9%). The establishment of forest plantations in these three sectors, combined with roadside and lake buffers will improve forest cover in Rwamagana. Afforestation of the shrubs should be explored, although they are not much but could add up to the forest cover of about 4%. Concerning the density of tree cover in the plantations, 14% of forest plantations in Rwamagana have high tree density (above 70%), while 67% have moderate tree density (between 40% and 70%) leaving 19% of forest plantations with low tree cover (below 40%). Afforestation of shrubland and opening possible new land for forests according to the district land-use master plan, and rehabilitation of low-density plantations is recommended in order to improve the forest cover in Rwamagana district which appears to be the second least forested district after Ngoma district. 4.9.2 Planned perspectives for forestry in Rwamagana Satellite City Forest cover plays a crucial role in mitigating the risks of flooding and landslides, particularly in the Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 136 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025158 identified landslide-prone area of 619.9 has as well as providing economic values and ecosystem services. Forest root systems help to anchor the soil, preventing erosion and landslide occurrences. In addition, creating adaptation measures such as wetlands rehabilitation for flood control, respecting environmental conservation buffers, and implementing other nature-based solutions are essential for controlling flood impacts. These strategies are particularly important in the identified 860.8 ha vulnerable to flooding in the district. Maintaining and expanding forest cover in these vulnerable areas is therefore essential for effectively improving climate resilience of the district, as well as contributing to overall environmental stability and community livelihood development through supporting timber-based business. Map 28: planned forest in Rwamagana District 4.9.3 Wetlands There are 935 wetlands under the order No 006/03 of 30/01/2017, including a list of swamplands, their characteristics and boundaries, and determining modalities of their use, development, and management. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 137 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025159 They have a total of a recorded 276,477 ha where 74% of total wetlands are under conditional exploitation, 6% are under full exploitation, and 20% of the wetlands are fully protected. Wetlands are also important habitats to plants and animals, and provide a variety of services to the environment and to humans. Numerous plants will grow only in the specific conditions provided by wetlands. Wetland vegetation filters pollutants and fertilisers, making the water cleaner. Wetlands protect shorelines against erosion by buffering the wave action and by holding soil in place. Wetlands can store water during heavy rainfalls, effectively implementing flood control. 4.9.3.1 Existing Situation Rwamagana District has 19 wetlands covering 1,209 ha. There are nine developed wetlands, covering 49 2ha, and 10 non-developed marshlands covering 717 ha. In the south-east of Rwamagana, there are seven wetlands (Butimba, Gitiga, Cyimpima, Cyaruhogo, Bugugu-Gashara, Nyakagezi, Kadigadiga) with a total area of 292 ha. Except for Butimba, all the wetlands in this area were developed in the 1970-1980 through a partnership with Chinese experts. Due to the age of these facilities, it is necessary to rehabilitate dams and canals. In the south-west area of Rwamagana District, there are four wetlands, namely Rugende, Nyirabuhene, Gatoki, Nyabugogo. The Nyirabuhene wetland is a part of the Rugende wetland. In the north part of Rwamagana District, there are six wetlands (Ndabukiye, Kavura, Kamuzizi (Muhazi), Nyabisindu, Kiruhura, and Nyagasambu). Four of the wetlands (Kavura, Kamuzizi, Nyabisindu, and Kiruhura), are within the basin of Lake Muhazi. Ndabukiye is within the basin of Lake Mugesera. Nyagasambu is within the basin of Akagera River. 4.9.3.2 Planning Perspectives Zoning enforcement and ensuring limited use of wetlands for other activities. The wetlands in Rwamagana District are zoned for various purposes, some for agriculture and others for conservation. The wetlands should be used as follows: - Protection of the wetlands marked to be preserved. - Opening up for conditional use of unprotected wetlands for agriculture (following the laid down guidelines) Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 138 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025160 - For the wetlands which are identified for conditional use, their proposed use(s) should be guided by undertaking an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to ensure their sustainable utilisation. - A feasibility study should be conducted for opening up and leaving some wetlands and some parts of wetlands within urban areas. This study shall provide a possibility and guidance on development of ecotourism parks in the wetlands along with development areas for conservation, educational and recreational purposes. - Conservation of all buffer’s zones for wetlands and their use guided by the above uses and zoning regulations - Use and retention of urban wetlands as collection points and filters for stormwater from the urban areas, based on the fact that wetlands are part of the “green infrastructure” of healthy catchments and provide a multitude of ecosystem services especially in urban areas - Recovery or creation of urban wetlands goes together with the protection of river banks, and is essential for the integrity of the water and wetlands resources. 4.9.4 Water bodies Countrywide, water bodies occupy 6.2% of the total area of the country accounting for about 1,537 km2. Most of the lakes and rivers are fed by marshes, which in turn are fed by shallow groundwater and seasonal floods. There are 101 lakes covering 149,487 ha, and 861 rivers totalling to 6,462 km in length in Rwanda. The central pressures on water resources result from the use of the natural resources to meet basic household needs as well as social-economic development, e.g. agriculture. 4.9.4.1 Existing situation in Rwamagana District Rwamagana District is subdivided into two level one catchments, Nyabarongo lower and Akagera upper catchments. The hydrographic network of the district belongs to the river Akagera basin, the main tributary of Lake Victoria. Lake Mugesera is located in the south of the district and Lake Muhazi in the north. There are two rivers, Sumo and Nyabarongo as well as several wetlands. The main water body in Lake Muhazi which is shared with Kayonza, Gicumbi, Gatsibo and Gasabo Districts. Lake Muhazi regulates the upstream part of the Nyabugogo catchment with a catchment of 872 km2. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 139 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025161 Map 29: water bodies Distribution in Rwamagana District 4.9.4.2 Sensitivity of lakeshores and wetlands Lakeshores are sensitive areas as they are vulnerable to damage by human activities. Hence, they require special consideration and protection. Utilising an ecologically-sensitive area for human activity results in increased productivity in the short term, but may result in ecological damage leading or even requiring that the site be abandoned as it becomes no longer viable for human use. Some of the activities that may disrupt or cause damage in ecologically-sensitivity of the lakeshore areas include: A. Cultivation connected to the use of herbicides and pesticides leading to a loss of biodiversity and chemical pollution and leading to soil erosion and increased turbidity in nearby water body; Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 140 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025162 B. Construction and development activities of permanent structures around the lake shores, if not well controlled; C. Development of human settlements and urban areas leading to discharge of untreated wastewater, excessive water abstraction, and water pollution from solid waste and chemicals; D. Grazing leading to a loss of vegetation cover and soil erosion; E. Development of transportation infrastructure leading to pollution with oils and greases; F. Overfishing leading to loss of biodiversity and food chain disruption; G. Introduction of exotic species leading to biodiversity loss, explosive weed growth or reduced biological productivity; H. Excessive water abstraction leading to a decline in lake level and exposure of lakeshores susceptible to wind erosion; 4.9.4.3 Planning Perspectives The Rwandan water resources are subject to protection as recognized by the law stating that aquatic ecosystems are intimately connected with their catchment areas and protection of lakes and rivers requires maintenance of buffer zones to reduce the impact of land-based human activity. The management and protection of lakeshores are initiated by the Law N°48/2018 of 13/08/2018 on the environment and the ministerial order n°007/16.01 of 15/07/2010 determining the length of land on shores of lakes and rivers transferred to public property. The National Policy for Water Resources Management emphasises that “water is a cross-cutting natural resource, whose use cuts across all sectors, including domestic consumption, agriculture, commerce and industry, as well as ecological uses for environmental conservation, such as forests, fisheries and wildlife”. In the implementation of NLUDMP 2020-2050, it is recommended for the district and stakeholders to ensure that all water bodies and their buffer zones and the protected wetlands and their buffer zones are fully protected totalling 2,832.3 ha. In particular, settlements within 50 m from lakeshores and 10 m for rivers should be prohibited. It is recommended that buffer zones are used for forestry with appropriate species, and where possible to be used for tourism and conservation purposes. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 141 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025163 There needs to be a balance between environmental protection of lakeshores and the sustainable use of natural resources. Most shorelines around lakes intrinsically have a high degree of ecological sensitivity, but this does not necessarily mean that all human activity along lakeshores should be prohibited. Furthermore, protection measures may need to be adapted to suit differences in the ecological and socio- economic conditions that pertain to a length of lakeshore or, indeed, a whole lake. 4.9.5 Mining The Government of Rwanda recognizes that the mining sector has the potential to become one of the drivers of long-term sustainable growth through economic transformation, industrialization and inclusive growth taking into account environmental and social considerations and using green mining techniques. It can provide revenues to contribute to rapid economic growth, a positive trade balance, foreign exchange earnings, and opportunities for employment, backwards and forward linkages that will overall generate substantial social and economic benefits to the Rwandan society. Rwanda is endowed with varieties of minerals such as Cassiterite (SnO2), Wolframite [(Fe,Mn)WO4], Colombo-tantalite [(Fe,Mn)(Nb,Ta)2O6)], gold, iron and gemstones such as Amethyst, Sapphire, Beryl, and Green and Black Tourmaline. Among these, the main minerals being exploited and traded in are Cassiterite (tin ore), Wolframite (tungsten), Coltan (niobium-tantalum), Amblygonite, gold (in small quantities) and gemstones (amethyst, sapphire and tourmaline). Other resources include quarry stones used in the construction industry such as amphibolite, granites and quartzite, volcanic rocks, clay, kaolin, dolomite, sand and gravel. 4.9.5.1 Existing Situation in Rwamagana District Rwamagana District is rich in minerals such as Cassiterite, Gold, Wolfram and Colombo Tantalite, especially in Musha, Mwulire and Gahengeri Sectors. Currently, 31 companies have a licence for mining activities in the existing 31 mining quarries. 4.9.5.2 Planning Perspectives The DLUP takes into consideration potential mining areas. Due to the size of the mining concessions under exploration, their layers have to be overlaid on the major land uses, except for residential use. Estimation of the mineral resource will be determined by the concession size. As the DLUP is dynamic, the allocated mining areas may be updated. To ensure sustainable mining the following needs to be ensured and undertaken going forward: Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 142 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025164 - Undertake of a complete risk analysis (Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Study approved by the competent authority) to the natural and human environment before the licensing of any mining activities; - Developing and implement the DLUP concerning the proposed mining activities; - Undertake and enforce environmental and social assessment and monitoring (EIA, EA, SEIA, EMP); - Enforce the programs for orderly decommissioning, rehabilitation, restoration, and utilisation of mining sites after an operation; - Develop a mine drainage and leaching of contaminants plan associated with mining metals to avoid impacts on rivers, streams and water quality. Rwamagana District has an initiative of constructing a mining treatment facility/factory, carrying out detailed studies for rehabilitation of degraded mines and quarry areas (DDS 2018). Moreover, the district plans to train mining cooperatives in mineral exploitation techniques, environment protection and climate change resilience. 4.9.6 Green Urbanisation In order to implement the National Green Growth and Climate Resilient Strategy (GGCRS), green principles should be integrated in planning of different land use categories. The two program principles under urbanisation planning to be focused on during planning and implementation include; Integrated approach to sustainable land use planning and management and Low Carbon Urban Systems that focus on promoting green efficiency in master plan design, building designs etc. to ensure minimising of carbon emission. 4.9.6.1 Planning Perspectives A number of interventions must be implemented to guarantee that the NLUDMP 2020-2050 is environmentally sustainable in its implementation. Therefore, for a green urbanisation the following are recommended: - Ensuring that all urban development processes incorporate climate risk and low-emission strategies on all the proposed activities; Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 143 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025165 - Promote climate-resilient human settlements and prevent informal settlements as well as upgrading the existing ones. - All the proposed investment in the proposed urban areas should have integrated, resilient, reliable and sustainable infrastructure which will enable the district to adapt to climate change and function efficiently at the local level - All green infrastructure projects should be designed to complement grey infrastructure systems performing a combination of volume management, water quality improvement, and flood control; - For all the urban developments, there should be identification and strengthening of the value of greenbelts and green spaces. - All urban development plans and programs must support urban agriculture areas and programs to enhance food security in urban areas. - Have the operators in the industrial parks that go for cleaner and greener production and support the zero-waste economy and circular economy in their production activities. - Ensure that industrial parks are well supported in green planning, green technology, and production practices. - Ensure that Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is undertaken for all land-use master plans to ensure their sustainability. 4.9.7 Waste Management The rapid increase in urban population has a significant socio-economic and environmental impact on solid waste management practices. The Rwandan goal is to provide 100% of the population with access to an improved type of sanitation system. Improved sanitation systems are considered to include flush toilets, Ecosan toilets and pit latrines with solid slabs. 4.9.7.1 Existing Situation in Rwamagana District According to the EICV5 report, the households in Rwamagana District use several methods of rubbish disposal at the following levels: Method Percentage Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 144 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025166 Public Managed refuse area Rubbish Collection services Thrown in the Bushes 1.2 1.2 34.1 Dumped in waterways (River or Lake) 0.3 Compost Heap Others 61.5 1.7 Table 33: Methods of solid waste disposal The collection and transportation of solid waste in Rwamagana District is handled by the private sector, with collection being done twice per week. Billing is done directly from the service provider to the household. The fee structure is not regulated or enforced by the municipality. The reason for the involvement of the private sector is as a result of the district not having the capacity to provide the service, as well as the enforcement of by- laws prohibiting the dumping of waste outside private properties. 4.9.7.2 Types of Waste Generated in Rwamagana District Different types of waste are generated in Rwamagana District and are classified into 3 main categories: Organic Waste – The biodegradable waste is the main type of waste generated. Examples of organic waste are food waste, biomass and garden waste. They are usually disposed of directly into the open land in some areas or used as compost. Non-organic Waste – Plastic, paper, glass, metal, and combustibles are the most common examples of non-biodegradable waste. Recycling of non-organic waste is not common in the district. However, there is a national ban on the use of plastic bags which has helped to reduce the volume of non-organic waste. Hazardous Waste – They are mainly generated by hospitals, industries and other facilities. Currently, hazardous waste is disposed of at incinerators and is not taken to a dump site. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 145 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025167 Figure 42: Disposal of Waste at Karitutu site The organic and non-organic waste generated in Rwamagana District is disposed of at the only existing municipal landfill (1.5 ha) located in Muhazi Sector, Karitutu Cell, Cyeru Village. In some urban areas of the district, solid waste is collected from individual buildings and transported to the landfill by private haulers on a weekly basis while in rural areas, solid waste is dumped in open areas and others used as compost. At Karitutu Dump site, there is no proper waste treatment facility to sort and treat the waste before disposal. The typical charge for dumping the waste at the landfill ranges from 1,000 – 5,000 Rwf depending on the types of the hauler vehicle. The district Council has imposed the law prohibiting any waste dumping outside ones’ plot. A Community Based Organization (CBO) was founded to provide the residents with solid waste management services. Certain amount of fees is charged for the service. CBOs focus on operating at the neighbourhood level, mostly found at Kigabiro, Muhazi and Gishali resulting in improvement of the existing solid waste management and raising awareness of the importance of urban solid waste management. There have been lesser activities of illegal dumping of solid waste into public drains. 4.9.7.3 Key Challenges in Solid Waste Management Some of the key issues to be addressed related to solid waste management are discussed below. Household collection issues - Frequency and coverage of removal is not aligned with the rate of waste generation. Transfer stations are required to reduce the collection time and increase frequency of collection. The types and sizes of collection vehicles are not always appropriate for the areas in which they operate. Resource recovery – Currently there are no significant municipal-driven projects / initiatives for resource Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 146 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025168 recovery from the dump site. Composting facilities should be established and managed by the regulatory framework set out in the Waste Management Plan. 4.9.7.4 Challenges of the Dump Site High risk of landslide to the surrounding residential area – The steepness of the landfill and lack of buffer distance between the landfill and the residential area contribute to the risk of landslide in the future. Contamination of the existing water bodies – the open landfill can contaminate water bodies and the groundwater. Leakage of landfill gas – Methane is the main gas produced at landfills. This combustible gas can generate toxic fumes and may intoxicate the residents due to the current lack of containment system for landfill gases. The following solutions have been recommended for Karitutu landfill: ● Installation of proper cover with topsoil ● Construction of landfill gas wells ● Construction of leachate collection system ● Creating a buffer around the landfill ● Installing a physical boundary wall around the landfill 4.9.7.5 Waste Generation Estimation The planning horizon for solid waste management is based on the population projections for 2035 and 2050, using a generation rate that depends on level of income. Low income=0.41kg/person per day, Middle income=0.74kg/person/day, High income=1.29kg/person/day Considering that Rwanda desires to be a middle- and high-income country by 2035 and 2050 respectively, and based on the population projections, the volume of waste generated has been established. Settlement 2022 Generation Rate 0.41 2025 0.41 2032 0.6 2035 0.74 2040 0.9 2050 1.29 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 147 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025169 Volume of waste 165,442 188,223 372,187 521791 787500 1,741,500 generated/day Volume in 60,590 68,620 136,145 190,614 289,616 633,340 m3/year 4.9.7.6 Recommendation to address waste management challenges Implementation of regional landfill – The existing landfill area will be used to construct a new engineered/sanitary landfill to facilitate waste management and disposal within the entire Eastern Province. Waste Management Plan – Rwamagana District will develop a waste management plan. Waste unit – A waste unit department to be established in Rwamagana District to manage, monitor and implement the waste management plan. Reduce, Reuse and Recycling – As seen in the population projections as well as in increase in income, waste generation will increase. To decrease the amount of solid waste that is disposed of in landfills, consumers, businesses, and industries can divert certain materials from disposal via reuse and recycling. The more materials that are reduced, reused, and recycled, the less waste is disposed of at the landfill. Sorting at site – A “separation-at-source” programme should be developed with supporting infrastructure, with the aim to educate the population on efficient methods of recycling. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 148 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025170 4.9.7.7 Proposed Level of Service The vision of the National Sanitation Policy is to ensure sustainable, equitable and affordable access to waste management services for all Rwandans. In order to meet this goal, the following levels of service are proposed: In rural areas (R1B) – Formal collection service, and on-site composting of organic waste (the district to develop guidelines to formalise this process); In urban areas – Off-site disposal, formal collection service with recycling and discarding at an engineered landfill. 4.9.7.8 Proposed Transfer Stations Waste transfer stations play an important role in the waste management system, serving as the link between a community’s solid waste collection and a final waste disposal facility. In its simplest form, a transfer station will serve for receiving waste from collection vehicles, then loaded into larger vehicles (usually transfer trailers, but intermodal containers, railcars, and barges are also used) for long-haul shipment to a final disposal site, typically a landfill, waste-to-energy plant, or a composting facility. In addition, a transfer station also provides an opportunity to screen waste prior to disposal. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 149 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025171 Figure 43: Aerial View of enclosed transfer station Transfer stations should be located in areas with easy access for collection vehicles, close to main routes and where the population is dense. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 150 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025172 4.9.7.9 Proposed Collection and Routes Current waste collection should be revised by optimising the collection routes and assigning service zones to the operating companies, adjusting the frequency of collection and carefully selecting the number of vehicles required for the operation. This will be further improved by the introduction of formal transfer stations around the district which will reduce the waste transfer time from source to landfill. It is important to note that the collection and transfer of waste accounts for the bulk of the costs relating to waste management systems and therefore needs to be handled as efficiently as possible. The following factors should be considered when planning new waste collection routes: ● Routes should not overlap, and vehicles should only travel once on the same road; ● The starting point of collection should be as close as possible to the garage/ vehicle storage area; the ending point should be located as close as possible to the landfill or transfer station; ● Busy roads should be avoided in peak hour; 4.9.7.10 Proposed landfill In order to deal with the future waste generated in the district, the following landfill properties are proposed: Proposed lifespan: 50 years; Start year: 2024; Landfill to be closed: 2070; Compaction ratio: 1 t = 1 m3; assumed waste stacking height: 20m; Space required for landfill in 2024: 1 ha; Space required for landfill in 2050: 10.8 ha; This could be split into multiple landfill sites if required. Before a landfill can be constructed or licensed to operate, it must be proven that any negative environmental impacts will be mitigated by the design and operation of the site. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 151 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025173 Figure 44: Example of an engineered landfill The following factors should be considered while siting a new landfill or constructing a new one on the location of the current landfill, no landfill should be developed without doing a defect analysis that takes into account the following criteria that will influence the landfill site selection process: Proximity to airports (landfills attract birds, this is a risk for aeroplanes landing or taking off); Flood lines (potential pollution of water bodies); Sensitive areas (ecological/historical areas should be preserved); Groundwater (depth to water table to be considered and not polluted); Topography (steep gradients may result in unstable slopes); Land use (noise, smells and windblown litter in residential areas). The following chronology should be adopted while siting a new landfill: ▪ Determine the need for a new landfill ▪ Choosing which technology to adopt ▪ Suitability of the site vis-à-vis the selected technology ▪ Assessing and mitigating the impacts ▪ Managing the facility ▪ Using the facility to generate energy (Part of High-Tech Technology) Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 152 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025174 4.9.7.11 Liquid waste To ensure adequate sanitation and water control systems, and recycling programs in the district, the following must be enforced: (i) Enhanced development of liquid waste management systems in the city, rurban centers, and rural settlement sites. (ii) Ensuring and having in place elaborated programs for the protection of waterways. According to the Rwamagana Secondary City Master Plan, a high percentage of the population lives in unplanned settlements which are characterised by limited access to sanitation. Sewage service coverage is limited, and is based on on-site septic tanks. A substantial number of informal settlements rely on pit latrines. Hence, a schematic plan will be prepared for wastewater collection and disposal/recycling system and it will include following; • Estimation of overall waste water generation flow based on regional land use and density distribution. • Schematic design of sewage zones and locating Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) with its size and capacities, and propose various options of wastewater treatment technologies. • Schematic wastewater network plan showing the trunk sewer network along with pumping and/or lift stations as applicable. • Recommended water recycling. 4.9.7.12 Waste water The Sanitation Master Plan for Rwanda categorises Rwamagana as a fast-growing town. Although the population projections differ, the conclusions in the report have been used to align the DLUP with the National Sanitation Master Plan with modifications on population projections as per the NLUDMP 2020- 2050. The goal is to achieve 100% access to safely managed services by 2030, and to maintain 100% access to this service through the 2050 project horizon. An implementation of a faecal sludge management chain includes: · Collection facilities: ensure the equipment of the households with improved and not shared latrines; · Transportation facilities: develop the activity of transportation of faecal sludge; Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 153 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025175 · Treatment facilities: implement a faecal sludge treatment plant. 4.9.7.13 Existing Situation Currently, there is no sanitary sewer network or a centralised sewage treatment plant (STP) in Rwamagana District. Two main domestic sanitation systems widely used are:  Septic tanks: Septic tanks with soakaway pits, commonly coupled with water automatic flushing toilets.  Pit latrines: Traditional pit latrines and ventilated pit latrines are the most common type. Figure 45: Percentage Distribution of households by mode of sewerage disposal 4.9.7.14 Key Issues Direct discharge of sewage into the existing water bodies not only contaminates the water quality of the water resource, but also poses a threat to public health. Pit latrines contaminate the ground water as the sewage infiltrates the soil, and it requires time if it is to be treated by the organisms and cations in the ground. Most of the contamination cases occur at areas with high water tables or near water bodies where the sewage has shorter retention time in the soil. Due to the density of development, this is more of a concern in urban areas. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 154 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025176 Figure 46: Types of sanitation for faecal sludge management in Rwamagana 4.9.7.15 Sewage Flow Estimation  The sewage flow is estimated based on the standard assumption that 80% of the water consumption would be collected as waste water by the sewerage network. Realistically, this value is closer to 70%.  The planning horizon for sewer flow is projected to the year 2035 and year 2050, based on the future water demand.  For the purpose of the DLUP, only urban areas will be considered during the estimation of sewage flow, hoping that the rest of the district will use onsite sanitation. 4.9.7.16 Planning Proposals for implementation a. Rurban Centers  Centralised sewerage system for the urban areas.  On-site sanitation with faecal sludge treatment plant for the remaining areas.  Development of the on-site sanitation system for the additional population.  Centralised system implementation and development. b. Rural Settlements ● Sanitation facilities at market centres, public spaces to be provided in the form of eco-toilets or flush toilets into a pit ● Proposed housing typologies, e.h. 8-in-1 and 4-in-1, can have a shared toilet facility connected to a soak pit or septic tank. ● Eco-toilets. Based on the Sanitation Master Plan by WASAC, a centralised sewage system is recommended for both urban and rurban areas. The Sanitation Master Plan considers Karenge as part of the urban area, whereas the NLUDMP 2020-2050 considers it as a Rurban Center. The applicable parameters have differences in zoning categorisation. A central sewage system should include urban and Rurban Centers by 2050. Other Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 155 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025177 rural settlements are served with an onsite facility. 4.9.7.17 Proposed Planning Intervention strategies  In Rurban Centers, each household will maintain its own septic tank and authorities should identify policy measures to encourage using them as biofuels.    Evacuation services from the septic tanks using exhauster trucks will be the immediate solution. Link with RAB for possible research to use waste from eco-sanitation as manure in the farms. Phasing out of pit latrines in urban areas will assist in significantly improving the current water quality. In rural areas careful consideration needs to be given for the placement of pit latrines in order to minimise the associated risks.  Sludge waste - The new WWTP should make provision for receiving sludge from exhaust trucks. 4.9.8 Drainage systems and storm water collection The adequate management of stormwater is critical to reduce property damage, erosion, flooding, pollution and other environmental and health and safety issues. Existing Situation There are existing drains used to channel water for irrigation and collect natural runoff when it rains. Two main rivers, Sumo and Nyagarongo, and existing wetlands collect a significant amount of water runoff that is discharged into Lake Muhazi and Lake Mugesera. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 156 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025178 Figure 47: Some drains serve as channels for irrigation 4.9.8.1 General outlook of drainage in Rwamagana District In general, only the main roads have some kind of drainage system. This includes a series of channels, not all with cover slabs. Although these systems exist, they are generally in a poor state and require urgent maintenance. During strong rains, soil is washed down from various steep hills, such as Nyirafumbwe, into the drainage channels. Due to inadequacy of drainage structures and lack of maintenance, there is flooding during heavy storms. 4.9.8.2 Key stormwater management issues Some of the key issues to be addressed related to stormwater management includes:  Stormwater and wastewater not separated – The water in the public drains is contaminated by the sewer, in turn affecting the quality of the receiving water bodies. To resolve this issue, close coordination with the implementation of the sanitation policy is required and a proper sewage treatment system is necessary. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 157 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025179  Maintenance and upgrading of the damaged channels - Damaged channels will not function at their optimum design capacity, which may cause localised flooding in the event of heavy rains. The district has to conduct regular checks and maintenance of the existing drains to ensure that they are in good condition.  Lack of stormwater management - The district has high annual rainfall generating large stormwater volumes, this should be seen as a resource to be valued and utilised. With proper stormwater management, water could be harvested for non-potable use, such as landscape irrigation. Besides providing an additional water resource, proper stormwater management, e.g. rainwater harvesting and stormwater retention, would help to reduce flood risks.  Open drains which are a safety hazard for both pedestrians and vehicles.  Limited skills in stormwater management at District level.  Lack of proper drainage design guidelines - Without a standard local design guideline, there is no common basis for designing drains in new developments or for verifying the adequacy of the drainage capacities of the receiving drains and canals. With the rapid urbanisation process, and for proper development control, a local standard guideline with relevant rainfall data should be established. 4.9.8.3 General directives for Stormwater Management Existing policies must be applied and correctly delineated on buffer zones along rivers, lakes and wetlands. In addition, there is a need for a holistic stormwater master plan for the district to be aligned with the established settlement boundaries. There is also a need for a strategy to deal with on-site attenuation for short-duration, high-intensity storms. This policy should aim to deal with excess stormwater runoff that cannot be viably contained and how this should be accommodated by downstream land owners. On-site retention strategy development will be based on the following principles: o Removal of pollutant at source; o Slowdown of stormwater runoff; o Stormwater retention; o Stormwater reuse; Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 158 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025180 o Beautification of the existing and future waterway Furthermore, the building plan approval process requires including a stormwater management plan to address how stormwater will be controlled on the site and points out the areas downstream of the site that could potentially be affected. According to NLUDMP 2020-2050, an effective stormwater management approach is site design and planning that preserves and conveys runoff. These can be volume control, peak control or flood, capture and reuse. A number of dams have been constructed for irrigation of agricultural land.  Sustainable mechanism to manage stormwater To ensure sustainable mechanisms to manage stormwater in Rwamagana District and to reduce the risk of flooding, improve the quality of water in rivers, streams and groundwater, protect natural habitats and improve the appearance of urban areas, a bulk stormwater network is proposed. Stormwater pipes are not commonly used in Rwanda, they are mainly provided as a cross drainage for major road networks. Alternative solutions, such as other types of closed conduits, can also be explored. Such solutions will utilise land in an efficient manner as they can be installed under roadways. For all pedestrian and cycling paths and parking in commercial areas, porous surfaces are recommended to allow for infiltration of water, e.g. grass, gravel, porous concrete and porous asphalt. Previous surfaces will mitigate the risk of flooding as they allow inflow of rainwater into the underlying construction or soil, rather than constructing a larger drainage system to cater flash floods. The suggested stormwater network is a series of primary stormwater pipes with outfalls located along watercourses. It must be noted that the construction of the entire network would be required by 2035 to cater for existing drainage needs as well as for the growing urban centres. Incentives should be introduced to encourage that all new developments in the Rurban Centers include mechanisms of rain water harvesting, to reduce surface runoff from roofs and hardscape areas. 4.9.8.4 Proposed Stormwater Management through Least Impact development In order to prevent damage and loss of life, a number of drainage buffers must be established. These buffers should be located in areas where stormwater would naturally be flowing due to topography and landscape, to ensure that development does not occur in flood prone areas. These buffers must be verified and formalised by determining the 1 in 100-year flood lines, which should form part of a greater stormwater master plan for the city. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 159 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025181 The following least impact development proposals and strategies are additional directives to be applied in all areas of the district. 4.9.8.5 Managing stormwater in buildings Roofs present a ready opportunity for harvesting rainwater, especially for buildings with iron sheet roofing which is common in Rwamagana District. Green roofs with vegetation are recommended especially for administrative and public sponsored institutions. In addition, Low Impact Development (LID) principles can be applied to infiltrate, filter, store and evaporate stormwater runoff through landscape practices and designed systems which preserve natural drainage features or capture stormwater runoff. 4.9.8.6 Parcel design as a way of managing stormwater Settlement should be located in alignment with natural drainage, to allow for natural and gravity stormwater networks. Areas that are recommended for medium and low-density housing development should be able to manage storm water through filtration and attenuation. Turf and asphalt, which are commonly used, increases the amount of stormwater runoff compared to grassed or vegetated areas that allow for stormwater infiltration. Developers therefore play a pivotal role in ensuring that the minimum green area required by the regulation is achieved. Parking areas should ideally be kept to a minimum and be made of pervious and porous material that allow water seepage and also adds more green areas in the developments. In the proposed regulations, especially in relation to new developments, 20% of each lot has been recommended for garden and lawns and also parking areas should not be paved with impervious material to allow for stormwater infiltration. 4.9.8.7 Managing stormwater on the streets Roads, streets and parking areas generally occupy about 25% of all built-up environments. This is a large percentage of land, usually made of hardscapes such as asphalt. Sustainable drainage system ensures that stormwater runoff is retained as much as possible within the source as opposed to conventional methods of using curbs/kerbs to direct all the runoff to some channel. 4.9.8.8 Use of open spaces to manage stormwater Open spaces which have been proposed for recreational, aesthetic, and ecological functions, should also be designed to deliver more comprehensive ecological services, including stormwater. Vegetated open space, especially the greenery along the seasonal rivers, will deliver vital ecological services. To achieve this, Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 160 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025182 open space has been comprehensively planned as a green network that maintains water and as ecosystem services through the use of designed parks, greenways, and self-organising conservation areas. Forests play a critical role in the management of stormwater. Apart from assisting in slowing the speed, forests also assist in soil protection and improving air quality. An analysis of the layout of natural drainage and rivulets as well all marshy areas, is aimed at protecting the fragile and sensitive sections of these areas. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 161 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025183 4.10 Tourism and conservation 4.10.1 Tourism development in Rwamagana District Tourism development in Rwamagana District will avail opportunities to improve the tourism sector for sustainable development of the district. The specific focus is to:       Promote national and international investment opportunities. Increase the economic opportunities and potentials connected to tourism sector in the district Identify and reveal new tourism potentials in the district Promote the tourism sector and investment opportunities in District at the international level Amplify public and private sector investment opportunities in the district Ensure an economically and ecologically well-balanced development of the tourism sector within the district 4.10.2 Development of lakeshores The Government of Rwanda has established a program to manage the development and protection of lakeshores by declaring a 50 m buffer zone around all lakes in Rwanda. In addition to ecological values, lakeshores provide opportunities for economic development when sustainably used. The 50 m buffer zones around lakeshores are ecologically sensitive and this is particularly so when the buffer zone has:  a steep slope;  supports wetland plants and animals;  lies adjacent to a fish breeding area;  has soils susceptible to erosion; and  provides habitat to species of conservation value (e.g., nesting sites for birds). Therefore, activities that are allowed to occur within the 50 m buffer zone will depend on the degree of the buffer zone’s ecological-sensitivity. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 162 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025184 The management of water resources is best undertaken within a framework that provides for decision- making in an integrated manner. Inland waters, and the biodiversity they harbour, comprise a valuable economic, cultural, aesthetic, scientific and educational resource. Map 30: Tourist Destinations in Rwamagana District 4.11 Employment Structure EICV 5 reports that the main occupation in Rwamagana District is agriculture. Independent farming activities are dominant. Since most of this is subsistence farming, and not for profit, they fall outside the employment category according to NISR. The EICV 5 report records that 56% of the working age population registered consider themselves as independent farmers while 7.8% as independent non-farmers. The overall labour force participation rate is 52.2% of the resident population aged 16 years and above, while the unemployment rate is 8.6% (EICV 5). Given the close proximity to Kigali City, high rapid industrial development, attractive business environment and the upgraded infrastructures in place, the district provides high potential employment opportunities for its citizens. The index shows that the level of extreme poverty is at 4.8% compared to 16% at country level, while the poverty incidence rate is 18.9% compared to 38.2% at national level (EIVC 5). Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 163 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025185 Population and housing census in 2012 Labour Force Participation Rate (%) among youth aged 16-35 Total households no. of District Urban Rural Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female 70.3 72.6 68 65.8 40.6 59.4 70.8 72.6 69 74,175 6,655 67,520 Table 34: Labour force participation rate by percentage of youth aged 16-35 years Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 164 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025186 4.11.1 Employment by Economic Activity Figure 48: District Employment by Economic Activity Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 165 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025187 4.11.2 Nodes of Employment Agriculture, forestry and fishing still provide the highest employment numbers as well as the largest labour force (RLFS 2021) with the main employment being in the agricultural sector. Other than Rwamagana Satellite City (City Master Plan), with commercial activities such as financial services, transportation, services and education centres, there are other centres that provide employment. These include a number of mining sites, led by Piran in Musha Sector, which according to the mining body is the biggest concession in the country. Bella Flowers is a flower farm that is also a large employer. Along Lake Muhazi, there are about 20 nascent hospitality industries operating albeit at small scale like Nyagasambu Beach, and Muhazi Beach Resort. By modernising the agricultural sector, by consolidating land and encouraging value addition through agro- processing, opening up Lake Muhazi tourism belt through investment in quality infrastructure and branding, and working with the private sector to increase manufacturing and construction, mining and quarrying as well as increase in wholesale and retail areas, the employment market can be widened. 4.11.3 Projected employment by Sector for Rwamagana According to AfDB (Rwanda Economic Outlook, African Development Bank) Rwanda has seen expansion in services (12%), industry (13%), agriculture (6%) and a general recovery of GDP from 5.4% (Covid period) to 7.4% post COVID. Based on the Labour Force Survey (RLFS 2021), AfDB data, and NLUDMP 2020-2050, formal employment accounts 90% and Subsistence foodstuff producers (informal) 10%. Formal sector can be grouped into 5 main categories: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Mining and Quarrying Construction Manufacturing and Services Using the same principle as above, assuming the statistics apply to District level, the total number of employments in Rwamagana District will be 798,255 by 2050. With a similar assumption of 10%, equivalent to 79,826 individuals, will be engaged in informal or subsistence food production. The Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 166 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025188 remaining 90% will be employed distributed in various sectors as shown below: Total Employment by 2050 foodstuff 1. Subsistence (informal) producers 2. Formal employment by 2050 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Table 35: Projected Labour Force by 2050 Services Manufacturing and High Tech Construction Agriculture Forestry and Fishing Mining and Quarrying 4.11.4 Drivers of Economic Opportunities 100% 10% 90% 50% 20.6% 15% 8.4% 6% 798,255 79,826 718,430 399,128 147,996 107,764 60,348 43,106 Economic drivers in Rwamagana District can be divided into three categories: Primary sector: ● ● ● ● Livestock (cattle and sheep rearing, goat farming, poultry, pig farming, fishing and fish farming) Agriculture and agricultural activities Forestry Mining and quarrying (wolfram Cassiterite, Colombo- Tantalite) Secondary sector: ● Production and fabrication of timber and metal products ● Construction and production of construction materials ● Agro-processing (maize, coffee, tea, rice processing) ● Food manufacturing and processing ● Wine and related services Tertiary Sector: ● Civil service ● Transport and logistics Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 167 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025189 ● Trade (wholesale and retail business) ● Tourism and water sports ● Service sector (retail, hotel and restaurants) 4.11.5 Trade and Logistics in Rwamagana Logistics refers to the overall process of managing how resources are acquired, stored, and transported to their final destination. Logistics management involves identifying prospective distributors and suppliers and determining their effectiveness and accessibility. Generally, Rwamagana District is a transit hub especially for heavy vehicles crossing the border from Uganda and Tanzania, and that passes Rwamagana on their route to Kigali. Other than the on-going industrial development, there is mainly local logistics. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 168 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025190 4.11.5.1 Commerce and Trade 1. Rurban Areas The Rurban Centers don’t have modern markets. This should be among the priority projects that can catalyse development in these areas. The traders complain of challenges of weather, with no shelter from sun or rain. Other than the need for market structures and facilities, the traders also discuss roads and transportation networks in general. The dirt roads become muddy during the rainy season, making it difficult to access the markets for both traders and customers. Traders in Karenge requested that at least the road from Kigali through Muyumbu could be tarmacked. Parking space is also an issue raised by the traders in Muyumbu, as vehicles and public transport vehicles stop on the main road. The traders in Nyagasambu benefit from the related logistic business, with big vehicles stopping at Kabalisa. At Muyumbu and Nyakaliro, the traders note that most of the customers work in Kigali, and business is active over the weekend and in the evenings. In Karenge, the mining and wine factory is improving business in the centre. Other areas have little activity in the form of business. The active area is found in Shalom Aghohoza and Gishari flower farms. 4.11.5.2 Manufacturing and Industrialization a) Light industries Among the light industries in Rwamagana District are the wine making factories that are generally located in small premises outside the industrial park. Other light industries include small fabrications like welding etc. These will be considered part of commercial activities, as they have limited space requirements. Light industries are industries that usually are less capital-intensive than heavy industry and are more consumer-oriented than business-oriented, as they typically produce smaller consumer goods. Most light industry products are produced for end users rather than as intermediates for use by other industries and they typically have less environmental impact than those associated with heavy industry. b) General Industries One of the key targets for the country is to create approximately 240,000 jobs per year. Rwamagana established an industrial park for purposes of promoting this sector. It is estimated that it will employ 150,000 people by 2050. Key areas that will be focused on will be ways of improving agro-processing as Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 169 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025191 Rwamagana District will develop as an agricultural hub. 4.12 Rwamagana District Land Use Balance Sheets The land use balance sheet summarises land allocated for different land uses when balancing all thematic sectors and land requirements for current and future prospects, based on the potential, planning priorities and future needs of the district. The objective of the DLUP is to manage the effective use of land and resources and guide future development in line with NLUDMP 2020-2050, and to cater for the needs of the projected population in 2050. 4.12.1 District Existing and Proposed Land Use balance sheet a) Existing Land Use balance sheet Rwamagana District covers an area of almost 683 km². It is among the districts with land suitable for agriculture, which currently covers 58.9% of the district, while built-up areas cover 23.6%, while forests cover only 8.1% of the district. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 170 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025192 Map 31: showing existing land use in Rwamagana District b) Proposed Land Use Balance Sheet The proposed land use balance sheet includes all land within the district, including Rwamagana Satellite City, Rurban Centers and rural settlement sites. To accommodate the future population within the district, and to implement the proposed urban and settlement structure, land allocated for agricultural use has been reduced from 58.9% to 56.4% of the total District area. Forest has increased from 8.1% to 10.8%. Built-up areas, that includes both residential, commercial, industrial, public and administration facilities, as well as infrastructure, has been allocated 22.3% of the land. The table below represents the proposed land use balance sheet based on the general land use categories. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 171 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025193 Map 32: Proposed land use in Rwamagana District Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 172 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025194 Table 36: Showing Existing vs Proposed Land allocation in Rwamagana District N0 Land Use Category Existing Situation in 2023 Planned Uses in 2050 Agriculture 40289.9 58.9 38543.10 56.4 Area (ha) % Area (ha) % 1 2 3 Forest and Conservation (ET) 3156.72 8.1 7696.1 Settlements & infrastructures (Built 18595.1 23.6 15301.7 10.8 22.3 0.7 0.7 0.01 1.5 0.1 499.97 457.3 4.30 1026.4 57.72 up) Commercial Industrial Public Administration Public facilities Public Utility Residential Transportation 4 Wetland 5 Waterbody 2888.4 2832.26 4.2 4.1 9181.52 13.4 4074.466 2888.4 2832.26 6.0 4.2 4.1 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 173 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025195 6 Buffer 1362.1 1.9 Total 68323.8 Ha 100 68323.8 Ha 100 5. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES 5.1 Existing Laws Enforcement Rwamagana DLUP 2023 – 2050 will be implemented into five distinct phases: Phase one (2023-2029); Phase two (2030-2035), Phase three (2036- 2040), Phase four (2041-2045) and Phase five (2046-2050). The Implementation of Rwamagana DLUP will involve the involvement of all partners and stakeholders through an appropriate coordination and participation approach. 1.2.1 Institutional Framework One of the fundamental aspects of achieving the goals as set out in the Rwamagana District Land Use Plan for a specific spatial space is the Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 174 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025196 implementation of such a plan by the established implementation Agency. The implementation of the Rwamagana DLUP, which is the official document (that contains public policy, programs and projects for Rwamagana District), is a major determinant of urban and rural development and the Rwamagana District has a major role to play. Stakeholders are the key players in the implementation of DLUPs. The table below shows the targeted stakeholders and the associated roles and responsibilities. No Actors & Intervention Sector Responsibilities Stakeholders Rwamagana District 1. All interventions Sectors MINALOC All interventions Sectors MINECOFIN Public Financial Management 2. 3. 4. Develop working mechanism that brings all actors on board Strengthen capacity building of staff, hold workshops and regular meetings with all District partners to share best practices Facilitate the provision of extension services Mobilise necessary resources for the implementation of the District priorities. Initiate, Coordinate, Monitor and Evaluate the Implementation Phases Ensure that all the guidelines and directives from the central government are fully disseminated to the District Proper use of the public resources Supporting stakeholder coordination in their activities at District level Leads the resource mobilisation, allocation process and approve new innovative financing mechanisms Will assist to link the District strategic outcomes with the NST1 and higher-level plans. Coordinate the transfer of earmarked funds MININFRA Transport Urbanisation Energy Water and Sanitation Ensure the sustainable development of infrastructure Overseeing maintenance and development of infrastructure Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 175 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025197 MINEDUC/HE C 5. Education MoH Health MINAGRI Agriculture MoE/ REMA Environment and Natural resources 6. 7. 8. Developing and managing Education Monitoring and Evaluation systems Promoting information and technologies in the area of education Promoting information and communication technology as a tool for learning and teaching Overseeing the programs of school construction and equipment Overseeing formal education and continuing training of teaching staff Financial accessibility of health services Strengthening national referral hospitals, treatment & research centres Institutional capacity building Human Resources Development Organisation, mobilisation and capacity-building for producers and their organisations Promoting the gender approach and reducing vulnerability among disadvantaged groups Diversification and intensification of plant, animal and fish production Strengthening climate resilience of communities -Water Resources Management Monitor and assess development programs to ensure compliance with the laws on environment during their preparation and implementation; Advice and technical support to individuals or entities engaged in natural resources management and environmental conservation Monitor and supervise impact assessment 9 MINICOM Private Sector development and employment Support private Sector growth and job creation with a focus on SMEs Build an effective human resource base and institutional capacity for delivery. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 176 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025198 10 MINISPORTS Sports Ensure that sports policies and strategies are disseminated and appropriately implemented to attain the intended results Supervise the functioning and management of affiliated institutions and agencies of the ministry for efficiency and effectiveness. Promote research and development of cultural and sport activities 11 National Land Authority (NLA) All Sectors Overall Monitoring and Evaluation of Rwamagana DLUP Implementation Phases Capacity Building of all implementation Actors at all levels of Governance Involve public and private investors and developers for Rwamagana DLUP Implementation 12 LODA Private Sector Development & Youth Employment Social protection Urbanisation and rural settlements Transport -Local Economic & Community Development Capacity building of local administrative entities Monitoring and Evaluating the implementation process of development programs 13 RHA Housing Public Building Monitoring and Inspection of Housing Permitting Effective Management of Public Buildings (Construction, Repair and Maintenance) 14 RAB Agriculture Practise modern methods in crop and animal production, research, agricultural extension, education and training of farmers in new technologies. 15. NAEB Agriculture Facilitate the growth of business to diversify agriculture and livestock commodity export revenues. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 177 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025199 16. Rwanda Cooperative agency (RCA) Agriculture Financial Sector Development Empowerment of Youth, Women and People with Disabilities Promoting the cooperative organisations Sector Promoting business entrepreneurship in the cooperative organisations Sector Assisting cooperative organisations in their capacity building through training and seminars of its members and managers Supervising implementation of laws and instructions governing cooperatives BDF / BRD Financial Sector Development 17. Promoting SME development through the provision of financial services Accelerate export development, Catalyse agricultural financing; Promote affordable housing, Manage and facilitate financing for education loans; and Increase investments in energy development 18. REG Energy Responsible for maintaining and improving power plants, transmission and distribution networks, as well as delivery of electrical energy to consumers at a sustainable fee Community companies support in small micro hydro power plants 19. WASAC Water and Sanitation To increase the water production, distribution, and performance improvement aimed at provision of quality water and sanitation services 20. Development Partners (World Bank, Un- Habitat, AFD, etc.) Urbanization and Rural settlement Upgrading of Informal Settlement Resettlement of People living in High Risk Zones Provision of basic infrastructure Technical assistance to support sustainable urban management and capacities at Secondary Cities District level and facilitation of Local Economic Development Financing of Projects for improvement of Living Conditions of Rwamagana Population Table 37: Rwamagana District Implementation key actors and their responsibilities Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 178 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025200 1.3 Rwamagana DLUP Phasing Plan: Horizon of the Year 2050 Implementation Phasing of Rwamagana DLUP is part of all local and land use plan provisions and elaborated based on the local context. The leading spatial principle in phasing is Tiling, which simply prevents random and remote locations of development. The phasing plan for Rwamagana District Land Use Plan intends to provide flexibility to the implementing Agents and Stakeholders to prioritise investment projects for local economic development in Rwamagana District for efficient and adequate use of implementation resources and funds to finance the selected priority projects. This Phasing Plan provides the district, communities, and donors/financiers with rationale to prioritise infrastructure and associated urban and rural services to incrementally develop in a phased manner. Phasing plans have been elaborated in Rwamagana Satellite City and Muyumbu, Nyakaliro, Karenge and Nyagasambu Rurbans where the 2 phases have been proposed to implement Rwamagana District Land Use Master Plan; 1.3.1 Phasing of implementation process Phase 1: 2023-2029: Phase one considered the areas, which already contain existing built up and basic infrastructures distributed. The areas of Rwamagana Satellite City and Muyumbu, Nyakaliro, Karenge, and Nyagasambu Urban Centres are already settled and contain all major basic infrastructures. The district will continue the issuance of building construction permits and rehabilitation permits in order to achieve required proposed densities. These areas will be priority during additional district infrastructures development and relevant stakeholders’ investments. Physical Plans are available and published for Residential and Mixed Uses in line with Rwamagana DLUP for these particular areas. Phase 2: 2030-2035 This phase will involve the selected sites for residential zones in urban areas and in rural settlement sites where the servicing activities are initiated including areas of urban expansion and urban peripherals for the areas suitable for urban development and rural areas today used for agriculture and livestock. These areas don’t have basic services and infrastructures today. Issuance of new building construction permits is prohibited in phase two, except for large-scale investment cases, where the investors will comfortably distribute all basic infrastructures (Roads, water, electricity, etc.), without government or public investments. District will provide construction permits in phase 2, after elaboration of detailed physical Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 179 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025201 plans and distribution of all basic infrastructures (Roads, Water, Electricity, IT, etc.). Phase two: 2036 – 2040 This phase will be implemented at a late stage as considered as zones to be developed and permitted for conditional uses as detailed in the zoning regulations attached to the district Land Use Plan as its integral part. it also involves the following:  Zones for agriculture and Forest uses;  Zones without basic services, facilities and infrastructure (Without roads, water, electricity, etc.). In Rwamagana District, R3 zones have been put in phase three of the implementation.  Zones without Neighbourhood and Detailed site Plans;  Wetlands, water bodies and its buffers  Informal Settlement Zones; and Phase four & five: Apart from Capital investment and catalytic projects highlighted in the table below, sustainable agriculture, use of wetland, waterbody, forest projects, use of buffer zones and other cross- cutting land uses in all phases. These phases consist of long-term projects to be implemented after Rwamagana DLUP mid-term review in 2035. Rwamagana Catalytic Projects 1. Integrated Irrigation and Agribusiness Development Project The IIADP aims to develop a sustainable, large-scale irrigation system fed by Lake Muhazi, Lake Mugesera, and nearby wetlands to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure climate resilience, and support high-value crop cultivation. The project integrates green irrigation technologies, wetland protection, and agribusiness clusters for food processing and export. 2. Smart neighborhood development Program Streamlines land use by combining land consolidation, detailed physical planning, and sector-wide agricultural zoning. It creates structured farming clusters, efficient service delivery zones, and well-planned rural growth centers that support agribusiness investment. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 180 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025202 3. Rwamagana Integrated Agro-Logistics and export Transforms the Rugende–Muyumbu–Karenge corridor into a regional agro-logistics route, integrating asphalt roads, non-motorized transport lanes, and agro-processing zones. It connects rural farms to local and export markets, reducing post-harvest losses and improving trade efficiency. 4. Lake Muhazi and Mugesera Eco-Tourism Development Establishes Lake Muhazi and Mugesera as a premium water-based tourism and agri-recreation zone through investment in eco-lodges, boat tours, floating markets, and lakeside fruit and fish farming. It integrates tourism, conservation, and agribusiness along a blue-green corridor. 6. Rwamagana Agro-Industrial Park Value Chain Accelerator project Boosts processing capacity by scaling up agro-industrial investments in the Rwamagana Heavy Industrial Park. Focuses on food, beverage, and horticultural product processing with cold storage, logistics platforms, and investor-ready infrastructure for export production. 7. Rail & Expressway corridor Positions Rwamagana as a strategic logistics interchange by linking it to upcoming railway lines and national expressways. Develops multimodal terminals near the industrial park for bulk goods, cargo storage, and regional market access. The railway connecting Tanzania and Rwanda through Kirehe, Ngoma, Rwamagana with high connectivity to Bugesera airport. Rwamagana also connected to northern railway connecting Dubai post and Uganda through Rwamagana and Giscumbi District. 8. Development of Agri expo ground, youth centers and other social infrastructures This project focuses on the implementation of key social infrastructure projects in Rwamagana District, including the development of Agri-Expo grounds, multipurpose youth centers, and related community facilities to enhance socio-economic inclusion and rural development. 9. Development of Eco-green space in Satellite City This project will contribute to the design and development of an eco-green space within the Satellite City in Rwamagana, promoting environmental sustainability, urban resilience, and improved quality of life through integrated green infrastructure and community-focused landscaping. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 181 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025203 10. Resettlement people from high-risk zone This project focuses on the planned and human resettlement of communities living in high-risk zones in Rwamagana and surrounding areas, such as steep slopes, flood-prone zones, and areas vulnerable to landslides or other natural hazards. The objective is to ensure the safety, dignity, and long-term wellbeing of affected populations by relocating them to safer, planned settlements with access to basic services and infrastructure. The project includes risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, provision of housing, and livelihood restoration support. It contributes to disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and aligns with Rwanda’s national housing policy and urban development strategies 11. Sustainable urban and settlement neighborhood development This project aims to promote inclusive, well-planned, and environmentally sustainable neighborhoods in Rwamagana and other urbanizing areas. It focuses on developing mixed-use, climate-resilient, and affordable settlements that integrate housing, green spaces, infrastructure, public services, and mobility networks. 12. Increasing adaptation to climate resilient project This project aims to enhance the capacity of urban and rural communities in Rwamagana and surrounding regions to adapt to the impacts of climate change through the design and implementation of climate-resilient infrastructure and development initiatives. It focuses on integrating climate risk assessments into urban planning, promoting nature-based solutions (such as green infrastructure and reforestation), improving water and energy management, and building resilient housing and public services. Projects Integrated Irrigation and Agribusiness Development Project Smart neighborhood development Program Rwamagana Integrated Agro-Logistics and export Phase 1 Phase2 Phase3 Phase4 Phase 5 (2046- Responsible (2023- (2030- 2029) 2035) (2036- 2040) (2041- 2045) 2050) Institution District, NLA, RHA, RTDA District, RWB District, NLA, MINAGRI, RAB Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 182 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025204 Lake Muhazi and Mugesera Eco-Tourism Development Rwamagana Agro- Industrial Park Value Chain project Accelerator Rail & Expressway corridor Development of Agri expo ground, youth centers and other social infrastructures Resettlement people from high-risk zone Sustainable urban and settlement neighborhood development Increasing adaptation to climate resilient project Table 38: Catalytic Projects MoE,MINAGRI, RAB,RFA MIINFRA, RTDA MININFRA, RTDA MINIYOUTH, MINICOM RHA, District, MINEMA NLA, District, RHA MoE, REMA, District 1.4 Land Readjustment & Detailed Physical Plans Land Readjustment and Detailed Physical Plans of existing plots are recommended during implementation of Rwamagana District Land Use Plan to assure rational development and effective land uses. Where the plots are of different quality or value, area or value adjustments are made. The underlying principle is that every owner must be compensated for their land with the land of equivalent Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 183 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025205 value. The readjustment of the land transforms the irregularly shaped plots into regular and standard shape land with access to infrastructures such as roads, electricity, water, schools, hospitals and other services, which contributes to the value of the land in any specific area. Statutory phasing in each land-use plan will be compulsory. The communities who are the landowners must be willing to participate in all phases from beginning to end including elaboration of site physical plans, data collection and all mapping and site demarcations exercises until the assignment is completed and approved, being provided by in-depth advice of planners and appraisal experts. A land readjustment map and appraisal documents must be approved together with the concerned detailed local plan as one unit. Alternatively, simplified voluntary land exchange processes shall be introduced. A readjustment is an essential tool for land consolidation and orderly development. The Rwamagana district communities should have ownership in all phases and must contribute as well as ensuring compliance during development. Any conflicts and disputes that may occur in the process should be resolved between land owners, the site committee established, local Village Chiefs and Cell Leaders. There must be established guidelines for local physical plan development procedures and implementation, roles and responsibilities for local communities, the site committee, local authorities and the consultants or experts developing the neighbourhood-planning site. Therefore, community approach is part of Rwamagana DLUP for its successful implementation. 1.4.1 Rwamagana Land readjustment (Detailed Physical Plans) Land readjustment of existing plots is recommended during implementation of Rwamagana District Land Use Plan to assure rational development. Where the plots are of different quality or value, area or value adjustments are made. The underlying principle is that every owner must be compensated for their land with the land of equivalent value. The readjustment of the land transforms the irregularly shaped plots into regular and standard shape land with access to infrastructures such as roads, electricity, water, schools, hospitals and other services, which contributes to the value of the land in any specific area. Statutory phasing in each land-use plan will be compulsory. 1.4.2 Community approach The communities who are the landowners must be willing to participate in all phases from beginning to end including elaboration of site physical plans, data collection and all mapping and site demarcations Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 184 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025206 exercises until the assignment is completed and approved, being provided by in-depth advice of planners and appraisal experts. A land readjustment map and appraisal documents must be approved together with the concerned detailed local plan as one unit. Alternatively, simplified voluntary land exchange processes shall be introduced. A readjustment is an essential tool for land consolidation and orderly development. The Rwamagana district communities should have ownership in all phases and must contribute as well as ensuring compliance during development. Any conflicts and disputes that may occur in the process should be resolved between land owners, the site committee established, local Village Chiefs and Cell Leaders. A practical guide for participatory land readjustment was established by the National Land Authority in 2021, for local physical plan development procedures and implementation, roles and responsibilities for local communities, the site committee, local authorities and the consultants or experts developing the neighbourhood-planning site. Therefore, community approach is part of Rwamagana District Land Use Plan for its successful implementation. 5.5. Principles Guiding the Zoning Requirements in cities / urban areas  Integrated Development and Urban Resilience The integrated approach to urban development promotes appropriate growth of Cities, ensures sustainable mobility, more cohesive communities, and a better environment. By looking at the City in a holistic fashion, it strengthens the urban resilience, known as “the capacity of urban systems, communities, individuals, organizations, and businesses to recover, maintain their function and thrive in the aftermath of a shock or a stress, regardless of its impact, frequency or magnitude”. These Zoning Regulations enhance this approach and help to build the resilience, providing adequate tools and measures to guide the growth of the City as an urban system, where all components - infrastructural, institutional, economic, and social are taken into consideration.  Inclusivity and Community Involvement in the Planning Inclusivity and equity in the planning and development process help create more sustainable cities with people getting the right to fully participate in every aspect of social, economic, political, and cultural life and voice their concerns and aspirations to create thriving neighborhoods and communities. All developments shall consider the needs and aspirations of all groups, including vulnerable groups and people of all abilities, in the design and implementation process. A participatory and bottom-up approach shall be followed involving and engaging the community in the design, development, and monitoring Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 185 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025207 process.  Incrementality and Flexibility The principle of incrementality is adopted in these Zoning Regulations to allow communities, investors, and developers to develop according to their current financial capacities. The objective is to create a flexible environment where all developments happen in an organic manner, without creating financial overexposure and hence hindering the affordability of the development. At the same time, the incremental approach is designed in such a way that future addition to the development would help achieve the desired density for the specific zone in future years. Incremental development also allows developers to better adapt to current and future market conditions, thus reducing investment risk and facilitating access to the market to a larger segment of the population. Incremental development shall be an opportunity to limit ongoing informal development processes and ensure efficient provision of infrastructure and service delivery and rational land use.  Mixed Land Use The zoning regulations allow and encourage Integrated and mixed-use development within all zones to create higher density, compact and vibrant places for people from all groups and neighborhoods. Neighborhoods shall showcase a blend of residential, commercial, cultural, public facilities, and micro- enterprises that are accessible and well connected to the transit system. This will enhance inclusivity, bring work closer to homes and reduce disparity and social segregation between different groups.  Pedestrian First “Cities around the world are recognizing how essential walkability is for the access and health of their citizens, and the economic growth of their cities. All planners, designers and developers shall ensure walkable and integrated neighborhoods that link residences to the public facilities, commercial and recreational areas. The DLUP provides for the City to expand its Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) network to cover the entire City for complete, continuous, and safe walkway and cycleway networks that provide clear protection from motor vehicles and are accessible to people of all groups. Universal designs shall be adopted by removing all physical barriers and providing a safe route for smooth mobility and easy access.  Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Transit-oriented development (TOD) presents as the best approach for Cities of Rwanda to continue keeping the private vehicle ownership on the low, and to avoid unsustainable, car-dependent, and sprawling settlement. TOD is necessary for inclusivity, equity, and long-term sustainability of the cities. The integrated and transit-oriented development brings people closer to activities, work, home, and public space, providing inclusive access for all, to Citywide opportunities and resources at the lowest financial and environmental cost, and with the highest resilience to climate change and other disasters. The City provide high-quality, safe, and reliable mass transit system for a sustainable, and equitable development. Mixed-use, integrated, and higher density developments that are well connected with easy walking and cycling connection, and in proximity to reliable transit service to the rest of the City are at the base of this master planning effort. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 186 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025208  Sustainable Design All developments shall be designed and developed with due regards for the environment, by incorporating environmentally friendly and sustainable design practices in both design and construction of the buildings. It shall be of paramount importance to encourage environmentally responsible buildings that are appropriate for the existing urban fabric. Subject to review and evaluation of developments in certain zones, and in line with GBMC, the District One Stop Center may, at its discretion, grant increases in additional floor area, building height or building coverage for developments that adopt sustainable design technologies or techniques or provide additional benefit to the neighbouring communities such as public spaces or recreational areas. 5.6. Rwamagana DLUP Monitoring and Evaluation Every 5 years the existing situation should be updated and the DLUP revised to assure implementation. The proposed compliance between the different planning levels is a must in order to avoid any mistakes made in the many plans, policies and projects before caused by lack of compliance. The purpose of this part is to set up administrative and planning tools, in which planning instructions transfer from level to level. A Continuous Compliant Planning (CCP) principle was adopted to ensure the fulfilment of the chain of planning. Before completion and approval of this plan, no construction permits will be issued until further approval by the district Council. Under this principle of CCP, the following measures and procedures are essential in order to achieve the desired compliance in the planning process. Providing a non-objection to any land use plan and project by the National Land Authority in charge of Land Use Management through the strong back up coordination force from MINECOFIN will be instrumental in resolving coordination and compliance issues. NLUDMP 2020-2050 dominance, ensuring that the projects and activities of all Ministries & Authorities comply with this plan. The national development planning and budgeting process (MINECOFIN) should ensure that sector priorities and investments comply with the NLUDMP 2020-2050. In other words, there must be a balance between economic planning and spatial planning. ❖ Delineate and enforce settlement boundaries. It is recommended that new boundaries will gain legal status only to supply developing needs for a period of 15 years (2020-2035). All master plans shall show implementation phases for midterm (2035) without overpassing this boundary. The areas of the development phases will be adjacent to each other to create a paving system for the efficient use of lands. The long-term boundary for 2050 will be protected for the next 15 years. ❖ Consolidation principles in land use planning will be directed towards and applied to all levels and all sectors of land-use planning. ❖ Regular updating of spatial data and base maps through large-scale mapping will greatly support the Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 187 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025209 development of master plans and monitoring of land use. ❖ To improve the adequate performance of Building Permitting Management Information system (BPMIS) and its dissemination in all districts to serve the urban and rural construction and development permitting countrywide. Strong community outreach program and mind-set change on land use planning in Rwanda will be organised continuously in Rwamagana District in order for community public awareness and ownership. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 188 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025210 REFERENCES 1. Abrams, C. (1964). Man's Struggle for shelter in an Urbanising World. (Third, ed.). Massachusetts: M.I.T. Press. ISBN: 9780262510011 2. Angel, S. (2000). Housing Policy Matters: A Global Analysis. New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN:9780195137156 3. Campbell. B.M., Jeffrey, S., Kozanayi, W. Luckert, M., Mutamba, M. and Zindi, C., 2002 Household Livelihoods in the Semi-arid Regions: Options and Constraints. Bogor: Centre for International Forestry Research, 153pp. 4. Carney, D. (ed.) (1998), Sustainable Rural livelihoods. What contribution can we make? Department for International Development, London. Cavendish, W. 2002 Rural livelihoods and non-timber forest products. ISBN:9780252030796) 5. 6. Kaiser, E. J. et al. (1995) Urban Land Use Planning. Chicago, University of Illinois Press. 7. NST 1-MINECOFIN 8. Republic of Rwanda (2000), Rwanda Vision 2020, MINECOFIN, Kigali. 9. Republic of Rwanda (2008), Plan de Développement du District de Rwamagana, MINECOFIN, Kigali, 77p. 10. Republic of Rwanda (2012), EICV3 District Profile Rwamagana, National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda, Kigali, 92p. 11. Republic of Rwanda (2013), Rwamagana District, District Potentialities Assessment for the Integrated and Self. Centred Local Economic Development, RLDSF, Kigali, 45p. 12. RPHC 5 by National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda published March 2023 13. Rwamagana District Potentialities 14. Rwanda 4th Population and Housing Census, 2012 (NISR) 15. Turner, J. F. C., & Fitcher, R., Eds. (1972). Freedom to Build. New York: Mc Millan. ISBN-13: 978- 0020896906 16. UNCHS (Habitat) (1996). An urbanising world, Global report on Human Settlements. ISBN 0- 19- 823346-9 17. Vision 2050 MINECOFIN Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 189 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025211 Bibonywe kugira ngo bishyirwe ku mugereka w’Iteka rya Minisitiri no 008/25/10/TC ryo ku wa 28/07/2025 rishyiraho mbonera igishushanyo cy’imikoreshereze n’imitunganyirize by’ubutaka cy’Akarere ka Rwamagana Seen to be annexed to Ministerial Order no 008/25/10/TC of 28/07/2025 establishing land use and development master plan of Rwamagana District Vu pour être annexé à l’Arrêté Ministériel no 008/25/10/TC du 28/07/2025 établissant le et schéma d’aménagement des terres du District de Rwamagana d’utilisation directeur Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025212 Kigali, 28/07/2025 (sé) MURANGWA Yusuf Minisitiri w’Imari n’Igenamigambi Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Ministre des Finances et de la Planification Économique Bibonywe kandi bishyizweho Ikirango cya Repubulika: Seen and sealed with the Seal of the Republic: Vu et scellé du Sceau de la République : (sé) Dr UGIRASHEBUJA Emmanuel Minisitiri w’Ubutabera akaba n’Intumwa Nkuru ya Leta Minister of Justice and Attorney General Ministre de la Justice et Garde des Sceaux Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025213

Ingingo ya 7: Gutangira gukurikizwa Article 7: Entry into force Article 7 : Entrée en vigueur Umugereka: cy’imikoreshereze by’ubutaka cy’Akarere ka Rwamagana Igishushanyo mbonera n’imitunganyirize Annex: Land use and development master plan of Rwamagana District Annexe: Schéma directeur d’utilisation et d’aménagement des terres du District de Rwamagana Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/20252 RYA MINISITIRI N° ITEKA 008/25/10/TC RYO KU WA 28/07/2025 RISHYIRAHO IGISHUSHANYO MBONERA CY’IMIKORESHEREZE N’IMITUNGANYIRIZE BY’UBUTAKA CY’AKARERE KA RWAMAGANA MINISTERIAL ORDER N° 008/25/10/TC OF 28/07/2025 ESTABLISHING LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN OF RWAMAGANA DISTRICT ARRÊTÉ MINISTÉRIEL N° 008/25/10/TC 28/07/2025 ÉTABLISSANT LE DU DIRECTEUR SCHEMA D’UTILISATION ET D’AMÉNAGEMENT DES TERRES DU DISTRICT DE RWAMAGANA Minisitiri w’Imari n’Igenamigambi; The Minister of Finance and Economic Planning; Le Ministre des Finances et de Planification Économique ; la Ashingiye ku Itegeko Nshinga rya Repubulika y’u Rwanda; Pursuant to the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda; Vu la Constitution de la République du Rwanda ; Ashingiye ku Itegeko n° 27/2021 ryo ku wa 10/06/2021 rigenga ubutaka, cyane cyane mu ngingo yaryo ya 59; kemezwa n’Inama Njyanama Bimaze y’Akarere ka Rwamagana yateranye ku wa 30/07/2023; Pursuant to Law no 27/2021 of 10/06/2021 governing land, especially in Article 59; Vu la Loi nº 27/2021 du 10/06/2021 portant régime foncier, spécialement en son article 59 ; After approval by the Council of Rwamagana District, in its meeting of 30/07/2023; Après adoption par le Conseil du District de Rwamagana, en sa réunion du 30/07/2023 ; Inama y’Abaminisitiri yateranye ku wa 22/05/2024 imaze kubisuzuma no kubyemeza; After consideration and approval by the Cabinet, in its meeting of 22/05/2024; Après examen et adoption par le Conseil des Ministres, en sa séance du 22/05/2024; ATEGETSE: ORDERS: ARRÊTE : Ingingo ya 7: Gutangira gukurikizwa Article 7: Entry into force Article 7 : Entrée en vigueur teka ritangira gukurikizwa ku munsi Iri ritangarijweho mu Igazeti ya Leta ya Repubulika y’u Rwanda. Agaciro karyo gahera ku wa 30/07/2023. This Order comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Rwanda. It takes effect as of 30/07/2023. Le présent arrêté entre en vigueur le jour de sa publication au la République du Rwanda. Il prend ses effets à partir du 30/07/2023. Journal Officiel de Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/20256 Kigali, 28/07/2025 (sé) MURANGWA Yusuf Minisitiri w’Imari n’Igenamigambi Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Ministre des Finances et de la Planification Économique Bibonywe kandi bishyizweho Ikirango cya Repubulika: Seen and sealed with the Seal of the Republic: Vu et scellé du Sceau de la République : (sé) Dr UGIRASHEBUJA Emmanuel Minisitiri w’Ubutabera akaba n’Intumwa Nkuru ya Leta Minister of Justice and Attorney General Ministre de la Justice et Garde des Sceaux Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/20257 28/07/2025 W’ITEKA UMUGEREKA RYA MINISITIRI N° 008/25/10/TC RYO KU RISHYIRAHO WA IGISHUSHANYO MBONERA CY’IMIKORESHEREZE N’IMITUNGANYIRIZE BY’UBUTAKA CY’AKARERE KA RWAMAGANA ANNEX TO MINISTERIAL ORDER N° 008/25/10/TC 28/07/2025 ESTABLISHING LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN OF RWAMAGANA DISTRICT OF ANNEXE À L’ARRÊTÉ MINISTÉRIEL N° 008/25/10/TC DU 28/07/2025 ÉTABLISSANT DIRECTEUR LE D’UTILISATION ET D’AMÉNAGEMENT DES TERRES DU DISTRICT DE RWAMAGANA SCHÉMA IGISHUSHANYO CY’IMIKORESHEREZE N’IMITUNGANYIRIZE BY’UBUTAKA CY’AKARERE KA RWAMAGANA MBONERA LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT MASTER PLAN OF RWAMAGANA DISTRICT SCHÉMA DIRECTEUR D’UTILISATION ET D’AMÉNAGEMENT DES TERRES DU DISTRICT DE RWAMAGANA Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/20258 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 i Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/20259 Report Title Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023 – 2050 Project Title Rwamagana District Land Use Plan Report Owner Rwamagana District District Council 30th July, 2023 Approval Cabinet Approval 22 May 2024 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 i Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202510 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................... ii LIST OF MAPS .................................................................................................................................................. vi LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................................................... vii LIST OF TABLES .............................................................................................................................................. ix LIST OF ACRONYMS ...................................................................................................................................... xi EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................. xiii 1. INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 1.2 1.2.1 1.2.2 Background of District Land Use Plan (DLUP) .................................................................................... 1 Objective and scope of the assignment .................................................................................................. 3 Objective ............................................................................................................................................... 3 Scope ..................................................................................................................................................... 4 1.3 Analysis of existing situation ................................................................................................................. 4 1.3.1 Physical characteristics of Rwamagana District ................................................................................... 4 1.4 Hydrography .......................................................................................................................................... 6 1.4.1 Lakes ..................................................................................................................................................... 7 1.5 Soil, Landslides and Flooding ................................................................................................................ 7 1.5.1 Soils ...................................................................................................................................................... 7 1.6 1.7 1.7.1 1.7.2 1.7.3 1.7.4 1.7.5 Topography and Slope of Rwamagana .................................................................................................. 9 Climate and Weather ............................................................................................................................ 10 Precipitation ........................................................................................................................................ 10 Temperature ........................................................................................................................................ 11 Winds .................................................................................................................................................. 11 Rainwater harvesting .......................................................................................................................... 11 Water catchment areas ........................................................................................................................ 11 1.8 Forest, Flora and Fauna ........................................................................................................................ 11 1.8.1 Flora .................................................................................................................................................... 11 1.9 Analysis of existing mining and quarrying activities ........................................................................... 13 1.10 SPATIAL SWOT ANALYSIS ............................................................................................................ 15 2. REGULATORY AND POLICY FRAMEWORK .................................................................................. 19 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Policies ................................................................................................................................................. 19 Laws and Regulations .......................................................................................................................... 19 Sectoral Plans ....................................................................................................................................... 21 Guidelines ............................................................................................................................................ 21 3. METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................................................... 22 3.1 3.2 Desk and literature review ................................................................................................................... 22 Kick off meetings and public awareness .............................................................................................. 22 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 ii Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202511 3.3 Consultation meetings .......................................................................................................................... 23 3.3.1 Consultation with the local authority and community ........................................................................ 28 3.4 Data collection ..................................................................................................................................... 28 3.4.1 3.4.2 3.4.3 3.4.4 Spatial data collection ......................................................................................................................... 28 Field work and study ........................................................................................................................... 29 Management and Collation spatial data collection ............................................................................. 30 Non-spatial data collection ................................................................................................................. 31 3.5 Data analysis ........................................................................................................................................ 31 3.5.1 Settlement Sites ................................................................................................................................... 31 3.6 Rwamagana DLUP report compilation ................................................................................................ 35 4. DISTRICT LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING ............................................................. 37 4.2 Visioning and economic specialisation of the district.......................................................................... 37 4.2.1 4.2.2 4.2.3 Vision of Rwamagana District ............................................................................................................ 37 Current Economic Specialisation in Rwamagana District .................................................................. 37 Planned economic specialisation for Rwamagana District ................................................................. 37 4.3 District demographic features .............................................................................................................. 38 4.3.1 4.3.2 Existing Population of Rwamagana District ....................................................................................... 38 Population Distribution, Density and Structure .................................................................................. 40 4.4 Urbanisation and Settlement ................................................................................................................ 46 4.4.1 4.4.2 4.4.3 4.4.4 Rwamagana Proposed Land Use 2050 ................................................................................................ 47 Rwamagana Satellite City ................................................................................................................... 49 Rwamagana Rurban Centers ............................................................................................................... 52 Rural Settlement Sites ......................................................................................................................... 60 4.4.5. NLUDMP 2020-2050 National Directives vs Rwamagana DLUP 2022-2050 alignment ........................ 64 4.5 Housing ................................................................................................................................................ 66 4.5.1 4.5.2 4.5.3 4.5.4 Existing situation ................................................................................................................................ 66 Planned perspective for housing in Rwamagana District .................................................................... 67 Proposed Housing stock in Rwamagana District ................................................................................ 68 Strategies to achieve sustainable housing in Rwamagana District...................................................... 77 4.6 Transportation patterns analysis........................................................................................................... 79 4.6.1 4.6.2 4.6.3 4.6.4 4.6.5 4.6.6 4.6.7 4.6.8 Transport vision and policy for Rwanda ............................................................................................. 79 Transport status ................................................................................................................................... 79 Existing conditions of the transport in Rwamagana ........................................................................... 81 Major issues or deficiencies and gaps ................................................................................................. 84 Existing Project Proposals and Implementation Phasing .................................................................... 87 Water transport ................................................................................................................................... 88 Railway transport ................................................................................................................................ 89 Land use and transportation ................................................................................................................ 90 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 iii Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202512 4.6.9 Road classification .............................................................................................................................. 93 4.6.10 Public transport ................................................................................................................................... 96 4.6.11 Green transport Plan ......................................................................................................................... 100 4.6.12 Non-Motorised Transport Network .................................................................................................. 102 4.6.13 Typical cross sections ....................................................................................................................... 102 4.6.14 Green Transport Promotion Strategies .............................................................................................. 103 4.6.15 Transportation Master Plan for Rwamagana District ........................................................................ 105 4.7 Public facilities and services .............................................................................................................. 107 4.7.1 4.7.2 4.7.3 4.7.4 4.7.5 Education and research facilities....................................................................................................... 108 Healthcare facilities .......................................................................................................................... 113 Water supply ..................................................................................................................................... 116 Energy planning ................................................................................................................................ 125 Information and communication and technology (ICT) ................................................................... 129 4.8 Agriculture, livestock and apiculture in Rwamagana District ........................................................... 129 4.8.1 4.8.2 4.8.3 4.8.4 4.8.5 4.8.6 Existing situation .............................................................................................................................. 129 Irrigation ........................................................................................................................................... 130 Agriculture land slope classification in Rwamagana District ........................................................... 131 Existing situation of Livestock ......................................................................................................... 132 Pisciculture farming in Rwamagana ................................................................................................. 133 Planning perspectives of Agriculture, Livestock and Pisciculture .................................................... 134 4.9 Environmental and natural resources ................................................................................................. 135 4.9.1 4.9.2 4.9.3 4.9.4 4.9.5 4.9.6 4.9.7 4.9.8 Existing Situation of forests in Rwamagana ..................................................................................... 136 Planned perspectives for forestry in Rwamagana Satellite City ....................................................... 136 Wetlands ........................................................................................................................................... 137 Water bodies ..................................................................................................................................... 139 Mining ............................................................................................................................................... 142 Green Urbanisation ........................................................................................................................... 143 Waste Management ........................................................................................................................... 144 Drainage systems and storm water collection ................................................................................... 156 4.10 Tourism and conservation .................................................................................................................. 162 4.10.1 Tourism development in Rwamagana District .................................................................................. 162 4.10.2 Development of lakeshores ............................................................................................................... 162 4.11 Employment Structure ....................................................................................................................... 163 4.11.1 Employment by Economic Activity .................................................................................................. 165 4.11.2 Nodes of Employment ...................................................................................................................... 166 4.11.3 Projected employment by Sector for Rwamagana ............................................................................ 166 4.11.4 Drivers of Economic Opportunities .................................................................................................. 167 4.11.5 Trade and Logistics in Rwamagana .................................................................................................. 168 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 iv Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202513 4.12 Rwamagana District Land Use Balance Sheets ................................................................................. 170 4.12.1 District Existing and Proposed Land Use balance sheet ................................................................... 170 a) b) Existing Land Use balance sheet ...................................................................................................... 170 Proposed Land Use Balance Sheet .................................................................................................... 171 5. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES ................................................................................................... 174 5.1 Existing Laws Enforcement ............................................................................................................... 174 5.2.1 Institutional Framework .................................................................................................................... 174 5.3 Rwamagana DLUP Phasing Plan: Horizon of the Year 2050 ............................................................ 179 5.3.1 Phasing of implementation process................................................................................................... 179 5.4 Land Readjustment & Detailed Physical Plans .................................................................................. 183 5.4.1 5.4.2 Rwamagana Land readjustment (Detailed Physical Plans) ............................................................... 184 Community approach ........................................................................................................................ 184 5.5. Principles Guiding the Zoning Requirements in cities / urban areas ...................................................... 185 5.6. Rwamagana DLUP Monitoring and Evaluation ................................................................................ 187 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................. 189 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 v Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202514 LIST OF MAPS Map 1: Location of Rwamagana showing bordering Districts) .................................................................. 5 Map 2: Hydrography of Rwamagana District ............................................................................................. 6 Map 3: Soil map of Rwamagana Source: Compiled by Consulting Team 2023 ........................................ 8 Map 4: Slope Analysis Map of Rwamagana............................................................................................. 10 Map 5: Forest Distribution in Rwamagana ............................................................................................... 13 Map 6: Location of mining sites in Rwamagana ...................................................................................... 14 Map 7: Location of urban areas ............................................................................................................... 33 Map 8: Distribution of rural Settlements sites in the district .................................................................... 35 Map 9: 2050 land use and Zoning Plan .................................................................................................... 48 Map 10: Rwamagana Satellite city existing land use ............................................................................... 50 Map 11: showing proposed land use in Rwamagana Satellite City .......................................................... 52 Map 12: showing Nyagasambu Rurban existing land use ........................................................................ 54 Map 13: proposed land use in Nyagasambu Rurban Center .................................................................... 55 Map 14: showing Karenge Rurban existing land use .............................................................................. 56 Map 15: showing proposed land use in Karenge rurban center ............................................................... 57 Map 16: Muyumbu-Nyakariro Rurban Center existing land use............................................................. 58 Map 17: proposed land use in Muyumbu-Nyakriro Rurban Center ......................................................... 60 Map 18: Distribution of Rural Settlements in Rwamagana ...................................................................... 63 Map 19: Road Network Infrastructure in Rwamagana District ................................................................ 82 Map 20: Railway route has been surveyed and marked ........................................................................... 90 Map 21: Road Hierarchy Plan for Rwamagana District ......................................................................... 107 Map 22: Distribution of Education Facilities across the district............................................................. 112 Map 23: Distribution of Health facilities in Rwamagana district ........................................................... 114 Map 24: Location of Healthcare Centres vs Rurban and Rural Settlements Public utilities .................. 116 Map 25: Water Distribution in Rwamagana District .............................................................................. 118 Map 26: Land use and water Supply showing areas with no connection ............................................... 123 Map 27: Electricity Connectivity ............................................................................................................ 126 Map 28: planned forest in Rwamagana District ..................................................................................... 137 Map 29: water bodies Distribution in Rwamagana District .................................................................... 140 Map 30: Tourist Destinations in Rwamagana District ............................................................................ 163 Map 31: showing existing land use in Rwamagana District ................................................................... 171 Map 32: Proposed land use in Rwamagana District ............................................................................... 172 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 vi Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202515 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Lake Muhazi with a view of Muhazi Beach Hotel ....................................................................... 7 Figure 2: Lake Muhazi .............................................................................................................................. 12 Figure 3: Indigenous Forest at Karambi and Birds/bats ........................................................................... 12 Figure 4: Kick-off meetings and Introduction of the Consultant .............................................................. 23 Figure 5: Planning steps used during elaboration and review of Rwamagana DLUP .............................. 23 Figure 6: Stakeholders Engagement ......................................................................................................... 24 Figure 7: Sector Consultation Photos ....................................................................................................... 28 Figure 8: Field data collection .................................................................................................................. 29 Figure 9:Field study tour with Forest officer from Muhazi Sector (Karimba and Murambi areas .......... 30 Figure 10: Population growth in Sectors between 2002, 2012 and 2022 Census periods ........................ 40 Figure 11. Rwamagana Population change in 2022 and 2050 ................................................................. 45 Figure 13: Original Boundary in red versus final Boundary in shade of Rural settlements ..................... 61 Figure 14: Dwelling units needed in Rwanda by 2050- Source: NLUDMP 2020-2050 .......................... 68 Figure 15: Housing typology for R1B- by NLA, 2023 ............................................................................. 71 Figure 16: Example of Housing Typology in R1B -2 -Source: Drawings by NLA, 2023 ....................... 72 Figure 17 : Example of Housing Typology in R1A - Source: Drawings by NLA, 2023 ......................... 73 Figure 18: Example of Housing Typology in R1A- (Source: Drawings by NLA, 2023) ......................... 73 Figure 19: Example of Housing typology in R1 (Source: Drawings by NLA, 2023) .............................. 75 Figure 20: Example of Housing Typology in R3 (Source: Drawings by NLA, 2023) ............................. 76 Figure 21: Example of Housing Typology in R3 (Source: Drawings by NLA, 2023) ............................. 77 Figure 22: Single Residential, showing density comparison between various residential zones ............. 78 Figure 24: Lack of proper parking for Motors .......................................................................................... 83 Figure 25: Cycling as Transport ............................................................................................................... 84 Figure 26: Road Under Construction Falcon/Gishari flower .................................................................... 85 Figure 27:Condition of Road During Rainy Season ................................................................................. 86 Figure 28: Using of Local Materials to form culverts .............................................................................. 87 Figure 29: Docked Boat waiting to Transport people and goods to Gatsibo District ............................... 88 Figure 30: Ferry Services at Lake Mugesera ............................................................................................ 89 Figure 31: Relationship between Land use planning and Transportation ................................................. 91 Figure 32:Interaction between various elements and transport ................................................................ 92 Figure 33: Rwamagana Taxi Park ........................................................................................................... 100 Figure 34: Hierarchy of Green Transport (Bradshaw, 2009) .................................................................. 101 Figure 35: Typical Section for 24m road (GISTECH ltd) ...................................................................... 102 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 vii Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202516 Figure 36: Typical Section for 44m road (GISTECH ltd ....................................................................... 103 Figure 37: Best Adopted NMT relationship ........................................................................................... 104 Figure 38: WTP and Intake at Karenge .................................................................................................. 117 Figure 39: Overheard storage tanks in Muhazi Sector in Rwamagana Source: Field Photo 2022 ......... 118 Figure 40: Solar Energy in Rwamagana ................................................................................................. 128 Figure 41: Main crops that are cultivated in Rwamagana District ......................................................... 130 Figure 42: Potential Area for Irrigation .................................................................................................. 131 Figure 43: Rice cultivated in marshland ................................................................................................. 131 Figure 44: Disposal of Waste at Karitutu site ......................................................................................... 146 Figure 46: Aerial View of enclosed transfer station ............................................................................... 150 Figure 47: Example of an engineered landfill......................................................................................... 152 Figure 48: Percentage Distribution of households by mode of sewerage disposal................................. 154 Figure 49: Types of sanitation for faecal sludge management in Rwamagana ...................................... 155 Figure 50: Some drains serve as channels for irrigation ......................................................................... 157 Figure 51: District Employment by Economic Activity ......................................................................... 165 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 viii Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202517 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: SWOT Analysis. ......................................................................................................................... 18 Table 2: Matrix of Intuitional Consultations ............................................................................................ 27 Table 3:Structure of the Database ............................................................................................................. 30 Table 4: Number and Size of Settlement per sector ................................................................................. 34 Table 5: Comparison of population growth between census of 2002 and 2012 and 2022. ...................... 39 Table 6: Population Density...................................................................................................................... 40 Table 7: Population projection per administrative Sectors according to NLUDMP 2020-2050 guidelines ................................................................................................................................................................... 43 Table 8: Settlement Hierarchy and Population Distribution in Rwamagana District ............................... 47 Table 9. Satellite City existing land use balance sheet in 2023 ................................................................ 50 Table 10. Satellite City Proposed Land Use Balance Sheet ..................................................................... 51 Table 11: Existing land use in Nyagasambu Rurban Center in 2023 ....................................................... 53 Table 12: Planned land use in Nyagasambu rurban center ....................................................................... 55 Table 13: Existing land use in Karenge rurban center in 2023 ................................................................. 56 Table 14: Planned land use in Karenge Rurban Center ............................................................................ 57 Table 15: Existing land use in Muyumbu-Nyakariro Rurban Center in 2023 .......................................... 58 Table 16: Planned land use in Muyumbu-Nyakariro Rurban Center ....................................................... 59 Table 17:Showing area of planned rural settlement site per Sector in Rwamagana District .................... 62 Table 18. NLUDMP 2020-2050 National directives vs Rwamagana DLUP 2022-2050 alignment ........ 65 Table 19: Residential zone categories with respective densification........................................................ 69 Table 20. Housing Stock/Proposed Residential zones and Number of Dwelling units ............................ 70 Table 21: Existing AM Peak Period Modal Split ..................................................................................... 79 Table 22: Individual Vehicle volume for Peak Hour Source: Field Study ............................................... 80 Table 23: Roads Classes and minimum width .......................................................................................... 94 Table 24: Education facilities projection from 2022 up to 205 .............................................................. 111 Table 25. Volume of water supplied to Rwamagana District by WASAC from WTPs ......................... 119 Table 26: Current demand ...................................................................................................................... 120 Table 27 Water demand by land use ....................................................................................................... 122 Table 28: Water demand for Rurban Areas ............................................................................................ 123 Table 29: Distribution of private households by main source of energy for lighting ............................. 128 Table 30: private households by main source of energy for cooking. .................................................... 128 Table 31: Livestock number in Rwamagana District ............................................................................. 133 Table 32: Pisciculture production in Rwamagana District (Rwamagana District, Directorate of Agriculture and Natural Resources 2021) .................................................................................................................. 133 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 ix Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202518 Table 34: Methods of solid waste disposal ............................................................................................. 145 Table 37: Labour force participation rate by percentage of youth aged 16-35 years ............................. 164 Table 39: Projected Labour Force by 2050............................................................................................. 167 Table 40: Showing Existing vs Proposed Land allocation in Rwamagana District ............................... 173 Table 41: Rwamagana District Implementation key actors and their responsibilities ............................ 178 Table 42: Catalytic Projects .................................................................................................................... 183 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 x Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202519 LIST OF ACRONYMS AMSL PBMIS BRT: DDS: DHS: DLUP: DLUP DRC: DU: Above mean Sea Level Building and Permitting Management information System Bus Rapid Transit District Development Strategy Demographic and Health Survey, District Land Use Plan Rwamagana District Land Use Plan Democratic Republic of Tanzania Dwelling Unit EDPRS: Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy EIA: ENR: GDP: Environmental Impact Assessment Environment and natural resources Gross Domestic Product GGCRS: Green Growth and Climate Resilient Strategy GGGI Global Green GIS: GoR: GPS: HH: HIC: ICT: IDP: LED: LUCA: LUDP: MCC: NLA Geographic Information System Government of Rwanda Geographic Positioning System House Hold Higher Income Country Information Communication and Technology Integrated Development Programme Local Economic Development Land Use Category Local Urban Development Plan Milk Collection Centre National Land Authority NLUDMP: National Land Use and Development Master Plan NSTI: National Strategic Transformation NRMGSCD National Road Map for Green Secondary Cities Development P.A. Per Annum Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 xi Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202520 PUSH: RAB: RCA RDB: REMA: RHA: RLMUA: RPHC4,5 RTDA: RSTMP SDGs: SME: SUDS: TTC: TVET: TBD: UMIC: Population Urbanisation Settlement and Housing Rwanda Agriculture Board Rwanda Cooperative Agency Rwanda Development Board Rwanda Environment Management Authority Rwanda Housing Authority Rwanda Land Management and Use Authority Rwanda Population and Housing Census 4 and 5 Rwanda Transport Development Agency Rwanda Strategic Transportation MasPlan Sustainable Development Goals Small and Medium Enterprise Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems Teacher Training College Technical and Vocational Education and Training To Be Determined Upper Middle-Income Country WASAC: Water and Sanitation Corporation WTP: Water Treatment Plant Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 xii Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202521 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The ambitious targets of Vision 2050 together with the NLUDMP 2020-2050 set the framework for District land use planning in Rwanda. Rwamagana DLUP contributes to the implementation of NLUDMP 2020-2050 adopted by the Cabinet in July 2020. Rwamagana DLUP determines allocation of land to different uses by clustering all thematic areas to efficiently manage the use of resources and guide future development in line with the NLUDMP 2020- 2050, thereby promoting social, economic and environmental benefits. Rwamagana District has a surface area of 682 km2, of which 56.31% are planned for agriculture; 10.6% for forests; 13.4% for residential; 5.9% for transportation; 4.5% for wetlands; 4.1% for water bodies; 1.7% for buffer zones; 0.6% for commercial; 0.6% for industry; 1%1% for public facility; other land uses such as public administration and ecotourism occupy the rest with small percentages each. Agriculture is a major source of income for the Rwamagana District population and the sector will remain a major part of any high-growth strategy. An increase of productivity will come from innovations, better technology and a better allocation of resources. As the vision of Rwamagana DLUP is "Agribusiness and logistics hub.", agriculture needs to shift from primarily supplying commodities for domestic use to producing higher-value-added goods as an integral part of food supply chains linked to regional and international markets. The district will strive to develop logistic industry along the main national road Kigali-Kayonza, larger- scale private investments should be made in production, processing, and value addition of products. Moreover, Rwamagana District should prioritise investments in roads, housing, and commercial structures in urban centres and rural settlements to increase densities which increases economies of scale and opportunities for specialisation by reducing transport costs, and improves firms’ access to critical services and a large pool of labour with varied skills. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 xiii Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202522 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of District Land Use Plan (DLUP) Rwanda is experiencing unprecedented urbanisation which is having a profound impact on the way people live, work, socialise and do business. Rapid urban development is expected to increase the urbanisation level from the current 28% to at least 70% by 2050. This rapid urban transition is likely to present potential social and economic opportunities as well as significant challenges to the country. Urbanisation offers a chance to bring about a concentration and socio-economic benefits that can spur economic development and eradicate poverty. However, if not well managed, urbanisation may pose governance, infrastructure, housing, environmental and resource challenges that can hamper development. The anticipated demographic, social and economic changes, brought about by rapid urbanisation, have prompted the Government of Rwanda to develop the National Land Use and Development Master Plan (NLUDMP), which was approved by the Cabinet as Presidential Order N° 058/01 of 23/04/2021. Its objective is to act as a national spatial plan structured around; ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Population, Urbanisation, Settlements, and Housing (PUSH) Spatial economy (Employment, manufacturing, industry, mining), Agriculture, Environment and natural resources (land, forestry, water resource, mining resource, climate change, environment), Tourism and conservation, Transportation, Infrastructure and public utilities (water, energy, ICT), Public services (healthcare, education, public administration, religious, recreational facilities, etc), GIS database and national base map, Legal analysis report Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 1 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202523 ● Implementation, compliance, and monitoring strategy and guidelines. Urbanisation will be promoted by prioritising the Satellite Cities of Rwamagana, Bugesera and Muhanga as urban growth nodes where rapid urbanisation linked with economic development will be focused. This will make the Secondary Cities a base for economic transformation that spurs sustainable urban living with economic and job creation opportunities. The Rwamagana District Land Use Master Plan (RLUMP) has been developed through strategic and integrated spatial planning and urban design that take advantage of green conceptual plans to ensure resiliency in a circular economy. According to NLUDMP 2020-2050, Rwamagana District has a population of 484,593 (2022) with a population density of 741/km2. Rwamagana District will accommodate future population under the new urbanisation structure. The DLUP integrates urban land use zoning (cities and Rurban centres) and rural zoning which includes the rural settlements, agricultural areas, forests and infrastructure. The DLUP report is a product of the detailed zoning map of the district with zoning regulations, useful for cadastral surveying, building permit systems and for subsequent detailed local physical planning. Through law enforcement and intelligent permitting services, this type of planning will play an important role in eliminating sprawl, thereby increasing consolidation. Statutory phasing of the implementation of land use plan will be mandatory in all Districts. The key idea of phasing is tiling, which prevents random or distant development settlements. Each new phase should be geometrically linked to the previous one. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 2 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202524 1.2 Objective and scope of the assignment 1.2.1 Objective The DLUP aims at allocating land to different uses within the district by clustering all thematic areas, so as to manage efficient use of resources and guide future developments in line with NLUDMP 2020-2050, thereby promoting social, economic and environmental benefits. Rwamagana DLUP emerged with the 2050 target to align with the NLUDMP 2020-2050 and the Country planning horizon. It gives details in terms of land allocation with specifications and potentialities of the district, unlike the NLUDMP 2020-2050 which gives general guidelines to facilitate the planning balance of land use at national level. More specifically, the objectives of Rwamagana DLUP include the following: ● To preserve agricultural land by encouraging land consolidation, also in rural areas; ● To promote tourism as a key driver of district, generating income and revenue by introducing new tourism segments; ● To provide different scales and cost range for commercial, heavy and light industrial developments, following current and expected market dynamics; ● To allow and facilitate vertical and horizontal incremental development allowing phased construction of commercial, mixed-use and residential buildings following the investment capacity of investors and developers; ● To integrate Micro-Enterprise Zones in residential areas, promoting mixed-use developments with social infrastructure and green open spaces; ● To promote densification incentives to modify building typologies and densities, thus reducing residential zones dedicated to single family housing; ● To promote upgrading and redevelopment in high value areas where land pooling approach will be effective due to cross financing mechanism; ● To preserve open space, historic related resources, water resources, wetlands, forests, and other environmentally important areas; Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 3 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202525 ● To facilitate adequate provision of community utilities and facilities such as transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements; ● To mitigate impacts of natural disasters, e.g. earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, around the areas which are more vulnerable. 1.2.2 Scope The scope of the review and update of Rwamagana DLUP focuses on the whole district, consisting of both urban and rural components. It covers all thematic land uses. Taking all land uses into consideration, land has been allocated to different uses through zoning, and an efficient land use balance sheet, which is complemented by implementation strategies for guiding the future land development towards Vision 2050. 1.3 Analysis of existing situation 1.3.1 Physical characteristics of Rwamagana District 4.1.1.1 Locational Context Rwamagana District has a total surface area of 682 km2 and is composed of 14 Sectors, 82 Cells, 474 Villages the district. Rwamagana District lies within the Akagera River Basin and touches Lake Mugesera in the south and Lake Muhazi in the north. It is separated from the districts of Kicukiro and Bugesera by the River Nyabarongo.Rwamagana District is bordered by Ngoma and Bugesera Districts in the south, Gatsibo and Gicumbi District in the north, Kayonza District in the east, Gasabo and Kicukiro Districts in the west. Rwamagana District is located east of Kigali City, and is strategically placed along the National Highway that connects Rwanda to both the Republic of Uganda and Tanzania. The district comprises a cluster of religious, administrative, public and commercial institutions in the centre of the city, and rural areas with a number of centres spread across the district. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 4 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202526 Map 1: Location of Rwamagana showing bordering Districts) Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 5 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202527 1.4 Hydrography According to the district Development Strategy (DDS), the hydrographic network of the district belongs to the River Akagera Basin, the main tributary of Lake Victoria. The district has two rivers, Sumo and Nyagarongo, and several marshlands (Cyaruhogo, Bigezi, Kavura, Rwarugaju, Nyabarongo, Mutukura, Ruhita, Cyimpima, Rwandenzi, and Sumo). The rivers constitute a significant potential for rice growing and horticultural production. Map 2: Hydrography of Rwamagana District Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 6 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202528 1.4.1 Lakes The main water body in Rwamagana District is Lake Muhazi shared with Kayonza, Gicumbi, Gatsibo and Gasabo Districts. Lake Muhazi regulates the upstream part of the Nyabugogo catchment with a catchment area of 872 km2. This District is subdivided into two catchments, Nyabarongo lower and Akagera upper catchments. Lake Muhazi extends narrowly for 26 km from east to west forming an arborescent shape with the eastern side more stagnant but narrows its flow westward around Rwankuba and Murambi. Figure 1 Lake Muhazi with a view of Muhazi Beach Hotel 1.5 Soil, Landslides and Flooding 1.5.1 Soils Rwamagana District has fertile soil in almost all its Sectors. Most of the soils are loamy and few are sandy with loam mixture. In some wet areas, clayey soil is found. The soil permits growth of most types of foods such as bananas, maize, cassava, beans, coffee, pineapples and rice. The main classification of soil in the district is the humic ferralsols according to FAO classification, especially to the northern part of the district. To the south, there are traces of humic ferralsols. Along the roads, alluvial clay to silt clay soil can be observed (Red Silt, Black Clay, Black Hard Silt, Gravel Red Silt, Gravel Red Laterite, Natural Chocolate Laterite and Sandy Silt Soil). Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 7 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202529 1.5.1.1 Classification of soil in Rwamagana District Map 3: Soil map of Rwamagana Source: Compiled by Consulting Team 2023  Landslides and flooding Five Sectors of Rwamagana (Gahengeri, Kigabiro, Mwulire, Nyakariro and Muhazi) are prone to landslides. In 2018, houses were destroyed by landslides in Rwamagana District. Flooding sometimes occurs, though no major damages have been registered, except in areas where sand mining is practised due to soil structure weakening. Nyakariro and Karenge are the only flood prone Sectors in Rwamagana District. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 8 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202530 1.6 Topography and Slope of Rwamagana The topography of Rwamagana District is characterised by lowly undulating hills separated by valleys, some of which are swampy and marshy. The district is located in what is called the “eastern plateau” on 1,400-1,700 m above mean sea level. The highest point is Mount Nyirafumbwe at 1,825 m located in Fumbwe Sector, in the north-east of the district. Topography is critical in all spatial planning. An analysis shows that 64% of District land mass has a gradient ranging from 0-10%, and almost 20% has a gradient of 10-15%. Most development can take place on land with up to a 20% gradient. The relatively flat land constitutes a potentiality for modern irrigation systems and mechanised agriculture. Areas that are undulating, which is the general nature of Rwamagana District, are well suited for agriculture. A number of areas have been identified to have a higher slope of more than 30%. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 9 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202531 Map 4: Slope Analysis Map of Rwamagana 1.7 Climate and Weather 1.7.1 Precipitation Rwamagana District has a moderate tropical climate with four seasons, two are cold and the rest dry (EDPRS self-assessment district report). The district experiences relatively large quantities of rain especially in the months of April-May and October-December. Average annual precipitation is between 950-1,100mm. Long rains, March to May: During this period about 40-60% of the total annual precipitation is received. As other part of Rwanda, especially in Eastern Province, there are two rainy seasons in a year, from mid- February to May and mid-September to mid-December as well as the dry season, from June to mid- September Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 10 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202532 1.7.2 Temperature The average temperature ranges between 19° and 30° and is constant throughout the year. Diurnal- fluctuations in the temperature are more pronounced and may vary by as much as 10 to 12°C from the maximum daily to the minimum daily temperature. The temperature varies 0.5°C with every 100 m change in altitude, with the minimal of 16.8 °C, and the maximal of 30 °C (Kente, 2007) 1.7.3 Winds According to REMA, Rwamagana District has been experiencing severe weather characterised by windstorms associated with heavy rains. The causes and impacts of windstorms in Rwamagana are mainly the flat topography, with little or no windbreaks like trees and low vegetation cover (MIDIMAR, 2013). 1.7.4 Rainwater harvesting A number of dams have been constructed to assist in collecting water during the rainy seasons which can be used for irrigation during the dry seasons. 1.7.5 Water catchment areas Lake Muhazi acts as the source of River Nyabarongo, which in turn feeds Lake Mugesera in the south. 1.8 Forest, Flora and Fauna 1.8.1 Flora Rwamagana District has a number of scattered forests and tree species including both indigenous and exotic. A number of areas have been identified for conservation, e.g. Karambi area where restoration with exotic eucalyptus has been done as well as Murambi Village where indigenous trees are protected. The common tree species are Eucalyptus sp, Pinus sp, Grevillea Robusta, Ficus sp, Mengifera Indica (Mango), Persia Americana (Avocado), and Jacaranda mimosifolia. Wetlands and lakeshores are also vital in the flora of Rwamagana. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 11 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202533 Figure 2: Lake Muhazi Figure 3: Indigenous Forest at Karambi and Birds/bats The biggest forest, measuring over 200 ha, is found in Fumbwe Sector at the hill of Nyirafumbwe. The other is in Musha Sector and Gahengeri sector. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 12 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202534 Map 5: Forest Distribution in Rwamagana 1.9 Analysis of existing mining and quarrying activities There are a number of mining and mining concessions in Rwamagana District. According to Rwanda Mining Board, the largest concession is in Musha Sector. Other mining sites are distributed across the Sectors of Karenge, Mwulire, Gahengeri, Fumbwe, Kigabiro, Munyaga, Nzige. The main challenge faced is that most of the mining is artisanal. According to EICV 3, 0.05% of the population were engaged in mining and quarrying. The main minerals in the district include cassiterite, colombo-tantalite and wolfram. Also being extracted is stone and sand for construction of both buildings and roads. Mining and quarrying sites are being rehabilitated if they are no-longer used. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 13 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202535 6: Location of mining sites in Rwamagana Map Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 14 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202536 1.10 SPATIAL SWOT ANALYSIS Spatial SWOT analysis is a methodology to understand the strengths and weaknesses, and for identifying opportunities and threats linked to land use planning and development strategies. The methodology aims to identify synergies between land uses, and help mitigate any negative impact a certain land use can pose on neighbouring activities. SWOT: Agriculture and Livestock Strengths Weaknesses ● Fertile land of different crops (cash crop and food crops) ● Low forest cover ● Many wetlands with potential for irrigation ● Few non-specialized agro-processing plants ● Horticulture in green houses ● Pressure from increasing population, high density ● Land consolidation for agriculture ● Land prone to mudslides after heavy rain ● Favourable land and climate for apiculture ● Land fragmentation and soil degradation Opportunities Threats ● Land Use Optimization in different crops like horticulture ● Erratic rainfall patterns ● Available market arising from urbanisation ● Special exotic crops initiatives ● Floriculture development ● Development of factory for fertiliser Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 15 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202537 SWOT: Economy Strengths Weaknesses • Lake Muhazi and Mugesera attract tourism and provide employment • Dispersed population within which reduces the flow of economy. opportunities • Poor feeder roads • Bordering with Kigali City lead to easy access to the market • Low uptake in the industrial park • Good percentage of population in planned settlements • High migration to urban areas creating informal settlements • Thriving trade and business in the city and trading centres • Disaster risk to flooding and landslides • Presence of an industrial park • Presence of National Road network document tracking services will boost business • Minerals and quarrying sites Opportunities • Potential for Horticulture Threats • Opportunity for improving Transport logistics and warehousing due to • Climate change strategic location • Potential for high tech manufacturing in both industrial park and light industries. • Renovating and effectively use Lakes Muhazi and Mugesera and its buffer zones to foster economy of the District • Developing and enhancing hospitality services around lakes Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 16 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202538 SWOT: Environment Strengths Weaknesses • Existences of natural resources like Forest, wetlands and waterbodies and • High population growth rate historical caves • Lake Mugesera and Muhazi • Existing rivers and wetlands • Use of charcoal and wood for cooking • Pollution of environment • Landslide and soil erosion • Presence of solid waste collection • Lack of dumping site to dispose of waste/poor waste management Opportunities • Agroforestry projects • Afforestation projects • Green Growth projects • Solar Energy projects • Proper waste management • Lack of centralised sewerage system • Disaster risk linked to flooding and landslides • Lack of valorisation of waste collected Threats • Climate Change • Increasing population • Steep slopes (Erosion and landslides) Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 17 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202539 SWOT: Social Strengths Weaknesses • Urbanizing Population • High Migration from Rwamagana to Kigali City • Public services like school, TVET, VTC University • High population growth rate • Presence of strong healthcare facilities especially provincial, • High number of populations living in rural areas in scattered District, HC and HP. settlements. • Presence of religious facilities which help the government to • Poor accessibility to the healthcare and education facilities implement programs, e.g. constructing schools. • Social facilities like churches and hospitals Opportunities Threats • High level of migration from Kigali to Muyumbu and Nyakariro • Growth of unplanned settlements in urban areas leads to high level of cultural and social exchange • Agricultural land affected by migrants and displacement of the • Planned education and health facility with high connectivity to road locals due to selling land to migrants. network Table 1: SWOT Analysis. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 18 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202540 2. REGULATORY AND POLICY FRAMEWORK 2.1 Policies ● National Land Policy, June 2019, MoE The revised land policy focuses on the efficient utilisation and management of land to support the national transformation goals without compromising the benefits of future generations. To achieve this objective, the policy outlines actions organised into three core pillars: land use planning, surveying, and mapping; land use management; and land administration. These pillars encompass eight thematic areas: (a) Land use planning, surveying, and mapping; (b) Integration of land utilisation across various Sectors; (c) Effective land use management; (d) Facilitation of private sector investment in land; (e) Land registration procedures; (f) Administration of land lease fees, real property taxes, and land markets; (g) Ensuring land rights security and managing land disputes; (h) Institutional framework and coordination mechanisms within the land sub-sector. · National Urbanization Policy, December 2015, MININFRA; · National Human Settlement Policy in Rwanda, May 2009, MININFRA; · National Housing Policy, March 2015, RHA. 2.2 Laws and Regulations ● Presidential Order n° 038/01 of 20/05/2022 establishing NLUDMP The Presidential Order establishes the NLUDMP 2020-2050, delineates a planning horizon spanning the next three decades. The Order outlines the revision process, ensuring alignment with other plans, and assigns Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 19 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202541 responsible institutions for implementation, emphasising the pivotal role of all sectors. With the NLUDMP 2020-2050 gazetted, the focus now shifts to effectively implementing it through DLUPs and other tools, ensuring strict adherence to alignment principles between NLUDMP 2020-2050 and DLUPs. It is against this backdrop that Rwamagana District revised its Land Use Plan, ensuring compliance with the directives set forth in NLUDMP 2020-2050. ● Law n° 27/2021 of 10/06/2021 governing land The law governing land in Rwanda regulates land affairs, contains detailed provisions concerning land use management and development, as well as the institutional framework and procedures governing the initiation, development, adoption, and establishment of land use and development plans at the district level. The legislation specifically governs land occupancy and construction activities on areas designated for human habitation. Moreover, it encompasses the planning of plots and site development to facilitate the realisation of national, City of Kigali, and district land use master plans. Rwamagana DLUP was revised taking into consideration additional laws related to land management and utilisation such as: ● Law n°10/2012 of 02/05/2012 governing urban planning and building. Urban planning should strive for the gradual and adaptable advancement of urban centers within the context of economic and social development policies, incorporating rural planning and environmental preservation objectives; ● Law n°20/2011 of 21/06/2011 governing human habitation. This law governs land occupation and construction on lands reserved for human habitation; ● Ministerial Order n° 04/Cab.M/015 of 18/05/2015 determining urban planning and building in Rwanda; Ministerial Order No 005/MoE/22 of 15/02/2022 determining modalities of change of land use. ● Land use plans zoning regulations edition 1, November 2022. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 20 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202542 2.3 Sectoral Plans  Strategic Plan for agriculture transformation (2018-24)  National Transportation Policy and Strategy for Rwanda (April,2021)  National Wetlands Management Framework for Rwanda (December,2020)  The state of soil erosion in Control in Rwanda (May,2022)  Rwanda Irrigation Masterplan (2020)  Rwanda Transmission Masterplan (2020-2028)  National Feeder Roads Masterplan (2023)  Rwanda Forest Cover Report (November,2019)  Revised Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy (September 2022)  National Determination Contribution (May 2020)  National Water and Sanitation Policy (October 2023)  Rwanda Electricity Distribution Master Plan (June 2022) 2.4 Guidelines Numerous land use planning guidelines established in previous years remain pertinent and continue to inform current practices, e.g.: ● Ministerial Instructions relating to the implementation of the National Grouped Settlement Program in Rural Areas (27 May 2009); ● Urban Planning and Building Codes (June 2019, MININFRA); ● Land Use Planning Guidelines (December 2017, NLA); ● Land Readjustment guidelines (October 2021, NLA); ● Ministerial Instructions no.001 of 23/04/2018 determining the management and use of the lands allocated for agriculture and livestock Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 21 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202543 3. METHODOLOGY 3.1 Desk and literature review Existing literature, data and information relevant to the elaboration of Rwamagana DLUP was collected. This brought about a working environment that supported the sharing of secondary data needed to perform a desktop review. Among the data obtained was the Rwamagana Urban Master Plan, which had been approved at the beginning of the year 2023, the Conceptual Master Plan of Muhazi by OZ company 2007, and the on- going physical planning at the Rurban Sectors of Muyumbu, Nyakaliro, Fumbwe and Karenge. Further, the team was given data concerning the district budget for the last three financial years, school and school enrolment, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, forest among others. In addition, data was obtained from NLUDMP 2020-2050 which is the basis for the development of the DLUP. Others included, NST1, Vision 2050, and relevant legislation etc. 3.2 Kick off meetings and public awareness An introductory letter, Ref No 822/RHA/SAHD/022 (Annex 1), was issued on 17th of May 2022. A meeting between the consulting team and the district officials took place on 20th May 2022 in Rwamagana District. This meeting was crucial as it introduced the consulting team, stakeholders to be engaged and identified and formed a committee led by the Director of the One-stop Centre and the Land Manager at the district and all Land Managers at the Sector who have been overseeing the entire process of elaboration of Rwamagana District Master Plan. The kick-off meeting organised an awareness campaign on the DLUP which started with the Sectors of Nyakaliro and Muyumbu. This was aimed at ensuring the citizens understand the project and prepare for its elaboration. Among the concerns raised were why the need for a District Land Use Plan whereas there is already the NLUDMP 2020-2050 indicating how land uses are categorised and spatially located. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 22 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202544 Figure 4: Kick-off meetings and Introduction of the Consultant 3.3 Consultation meetings As a participatory process, engagement with all stakeholders whose activities are spatial in nature emerged as one of the methodologies used in the development of the Rwamagana DLUP. This method was intended to build awareness of the project among different stakeholders, including partner institutions, local authorities and the community concerned. The consultation provided a clear understanding of the DLUP, its targets for the community and the country, the scope of the project, its time-frame, the activities to be covered and how they should be carried out to ensure a reliable result. Figure 5: Planning steps used during elaboration and review of Rwamagana DLUP Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 23 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202545 Since the DLUP is a spatial plan, all government and non-government entities operating in Rwamagana are stakeholders and their participation and engagement is critical. The inputs from these stakeholders play an important role in development and implementation of Rwamagana DLUP. Rwamagana District, as a Satellite City, has brought together various institutions to work together in accordance with their mandates. Two key institutions are leading the project, Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) and NLA, which is the authority in charge of all issues related to land and spatial management in Rwanda. A number of institutions identified as having a stake in spatial land development in Rwamagana District have been consulted, including NLA, RTDA, NISR, REMA, RWB, RWFA, WASAC, REG, MINAGRI, RURA, RDB, and MINICOM. Figure 6: Stakeholders Engagement Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 24 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202546 The institutions also provided spatial data on their current and future projects that they intend to initiate. These consultations also helped them to understand the Satellite City. A summary of each consultative meeting deliberations and conclusions arrived is developed in the matrix shown below. Institution Consultant Queries Comments from Institution RDB ● ● ● ● ● What plans do they have for tourism, especially for Lakes ● Eco-agro tourism, especially the presence of Bella Flowers Muhazi and Mugesera? (Rwamagana is considered an agro-tourism District). Close Are there any investors that have expressed interest to develop proximity to Akagera National Park. tourism in the areas above? Their role in promotion of tourism in Rwamagana? Actions to boost tourism in Rwamagana? Land designated for tourism and the interest by the locals to use it for agriculture as tourism use is picking up? RTDA ● National roads in Muhazi Sector other than NR 1 ● ● ● ● Railway and Pipeline for Gas Water transport and its status District Road Class 1 and 2 Any other concerns in the development of the DLUP? ● ● ● Note the road hierarchy and works done on feeder roads There is a proposed Muhazi Belt Road from Kadasomwa in Kigali Muhazi Mugesera connection to BIA Railway passing District Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 25 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202547 NLA REG ● ● ● ● ● RWB ● Role in the DLUP given project is RHA, yet functions are in ● Agriculture is paramount and should be protected and conserved. NLA ● ● ● ● Number of transformers in Rwamagana? Use of solar as an alternative, and other off-grid? Approximate use in Kwh per household Avail spatial data MINICOM ● Do we need more land for IP? Any challenges in energy and waste water management? issues of sustainability towards climate resilience? ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● Eco-tourism is critical. Urbanisation and settlement not more than 15% of LU. One transformer at Musha, support at Kabarondo and at Ndera Currently enough to serve the district biggest consumer is the factory making steel Rwamagana is well covered and all spatial data is there One IP in Rwamagana Need for buffer zone around IP Water and energy use depend on type of industry Currently enough Role in water management, waste-water management, water for ● Indicate drainage, especially at the urban areas and all other irrigation? settlement areas. Water harvesting from Muhazi and Mugesera? ● Civil storm and other analysis should be shown. Role in rain water harvesting and if any rain water harvesting ● Policy is that 10% of water usage must come from rain harvesting. dams? ● Take care of sizing of drainages to merge climate challenges for 2050. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 26 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202548 RURA ● What is the role in land use planning? Regulation on any installation of petrol station and fuel tanks ● EV charging stations ● Role in installation of IBS (In building Solution) to category 3 building as per building code Location of telkom towers Fibre optic 2m with pathways and ● ● MINAGRI MINAGRI role in land use is to manage all land zoned for ● Worried that fertile land has been earmarked for settlement. agriculture and agro processing plants. That they should first have identified the best land for agriculture through soil test, other techniques before settlements are identified. They are piloting this in Bugesera. REMA REMA is in charge of managing wetland zones, its buffers and ● Issues related to lakeshores and climate mainstreaming, green other environmental projects in Rwamagana DLUP jobs, Paris agreement, Green Economy, concerned of biodiversity and lakeshores noting that rivers, wetlands and lakes are part of the ecosystem. 50m buffer along lakes and ecological sensitive & fragile areas. Table 2: Matrix of Intuitional Consultations Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 27 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202549 3.3.1 Consultation with the local authority and community Consultation and engagements at Sector, Cell and Village level arrived at identifying a number of issues pertinent to them. The district, led by the Director of One-Stop Centre, takes the lead on the technical level in the district. On the political level, the district Council will approve the DLUP. Engagements at local level ensures that the communities and local authorities have a say in the proper and sustainable management and use of land within their jurisdiction. Socio-economic issues are at the heart of the process, including, empowerment, equality, inclusivity, and gender, as well job creation and poverty reduction. Local authorities are not only the implementers of the DLUP, but will also monitor and control the development. Various consultative meetings were held at District level, bringing together different stakeholders, including representatives of Sectors, Cells, Villages, religious figures, civil society organisations, security bodies and private sector operators. At Sector level, further consultation was done on the areas allocated for rural settlements. Figure 7: Sector Consultation Photos 3.4 Data collection 3.4.1 Spatial data collection Detailed spatial data collection and analysis was done for the features, facilities and utilities, e.g. educational and healthcare facilities, religious institutions, memorials, tourism areas, cultural features (caves-sasabirago) roads, electricity, water supply, markets, administrative offices, mining sites and concessions. Rural settlement sites were confirmed both through field data collection and engagement with the local authority and the communities. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 28 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202550 The spatial data collected was overlaid on the existing base map provided by Rwamagana District and satellite image 2020 provided by National Land Authority (NLA), to develop a clear understanding of the urbanisation and population growth trends, aerial photos of 2010 used in land titling, satellite image of 2015 and open-source satellite images from Google Earth were also used. All spatial data has been used to support concise and detailed development of the Rwamagana DLUP with accurate data and information that reflects existing situations. To strengthen field spatial data collection, institutional data sets from the various institutions were collected during consultation, e.g. WASAC, REG, REMA, RTDA, MINICOM, RMDB, and NLA. Figure 8: Field data collection 3.4.2 Field work and study A field survey was conducted and various areas visited. Since this was part of the data collection under design by observation, ecologically sensitive areas, sites for landfill/dump site, and areas along Lake Muhazi, were visited together with District officials. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 29 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202551 Figure 9:Field study tour with Forest officer from Muhazi Sector (Karimba and Murambi areas 3.4.3 Management and Collation spatial data collection Upon completion of collection of spatial datasets, a geodatabase was developed for management and collection of data. The data were organised in the format shown below. Administrative District, Sector, Cell and Village Boundaries, place names (sector Boundaries office, cell office, places of interest, etc.), Rural settlement sites, Rurban boundaries Economic Infrastructure Banks, markets, trade centres, markets, coffee washing stations Physiography Contours, environment (flood risk areas, forest cover, landslide areas, protected areas [Buffer zone]), hydrography (lakes, rivers, drainages, wetlands, swamps, soil, water bodies, Land base Physical Plans, Cadastral data, settlement sites, building footprints, NLUDMP 2020-2050 data, Land uses zoning (2022,2035,2050) Overlays Mining Concessions, electricity, water networks, tourism/Eco-touristic areas, slope over 30-35%, mining sites, quarrying Infrastructure Solid waste collection routes, water reservoirs, dams, transforms and power stations, irrigation canals and dykes, drainage system, electric network (LV, MV, HV), existing and proposed water networks, existing and proposed road networks, proposed cycle highways Table 3:Structure of the Database These datasets will form the base upon which all proposals have been made. The district Land Use Plan follows this structure. The purpose of this is to ensure that it fits into the existing land information and administrative database which is used for both permitting and taxation. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 30 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202552 3.4.4 Non-spatial data collection Non-spatial data (such as attribute or characteristic data) consists of information that is independent of any geometric considerations. It includes data that is not demonstrated with location-based and geographic location. Basically, non-spatial data accumulates statistical and quantitative data that provide information about features or phenomena in the form of definitions, explanations and can be displayed in graphs, tables, but not maps. When elaborating the DLUP, non-spatial data are needed to support the analysis and guide the future land use planning. Statistical data, on for example neighbourhood economy, environment and livelihoods, are needed and taken into account for the preparation of the DLUP. The non-spatial data collected includes demographic statistics, socio-economic patterns, economic activities that support livelihoods, religious statistical data and its movements, etc. These data are essential to support the elaboration of Rwamagana DLUP where each situation was taken into account to guide the development of all sectors. Non-spatial data was collected during fieldwork, consultation with different offices for institutions, local authorities, and non-governmental groups. Non-spatial data helps to fill in gaps in spatial data and provides information for decision-making in effective planning. 3.5 Data analysis 3.5.1 Settlement Sites 3.5.1.1 Rwamagana District settlement structure According to the NLUDMP 2020-2050, Rwamagana District is structured with a Satellite City, three Rurban Centres (Nyakaliro-Muyumbu, Karenge and Nyagasambu) and 109 integrated rural settlement sites covering 45km2. The projected population of Rwamagana District is estimated to reach 1,119,500 by 2050. The Satellite City will have a projected population of 440,000 by 2035, and 800,000 by 2050, the Rurban Centers will have a population of 79,500 by 2050, and the rural population will be 240,000 in 2050 residing in well planned and integrated settlements. The City Master plan was approved early 2022 and has been integrated in the DLUP, to have a consolidated DLUP for Rwamagana District. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 31 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202553 3.5.1.2 Rurban Centers The Rurban Centers of Muyumbu-Nyakaliro, Karenge and Nyagasambu Rurban Centers are emerging centres of linkage between rural and urban areas. Proper planning and sustainable development of these areas will mitigate urban sprawl. The NLUDMP 2020-2050 proposes limiting the boundaries of the Rurban Centers, increasing density, and freezing the number of populated settlements and trade centres as tools to control unplanned urban growth. 3.5.1.3 Rural Settlements According to NLUDMP 2020-2050, transformation of scattered rural settlements will allow for economies of scale. Envisaged to feed urban areas, 1 or 2 rural settlements are recommended per Cell. There is envisaged a gradual and continuous implementation for a period of 30 years. in which people will move from scattered rural settlements to the identified sites. The Village is proposed to be replaced by the rural settlement site as an administrative, social and economic entity. High density development is recommended, including exploiting underground, for efficient use of land. Lot sizes are recommended to be capped at 300m2 from the current average of 600m2 and housing typologies that utilise less than 300m2 should be encouraged. The number of dwelling units or households per settlement should grow from the current 172 to 550. To ensure proper service delivery, each rural settlement site will have social and public amenities such as sports, recreation and leisure, school and ECD, health post, roads, market and cowsheds, which will be determined in the detailed Physical Plan. Concerning agriculture in the rural settlements, NLUDMP 2020-2050 recommends an average of 420 ha/settlement where each household has a possibility of practising agriculture on 1 acre (0,4 ha). Regarding spatial data obtained from National Land Authority, Rwamagana District, there are 109 rural settlement sites in the district covering 8,972 ha. The expected rural population by 2050 will be 240,000. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 32 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202554 Map 7: Location of urban areas Sector No of Sites Area (ha) Karenge Rubona Munyaga Nzige Nyakaliro Muyumbu Fumbwe Musha 6 8 9 7 5 3 5 7 Gahengeri 15 Munyiginya 4 Gishali 4 425 1160 460 642 534 457 686 1130 1145 503 1103 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 33 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202555 Mwulire Kigabiro Total 4 3 80 Table 4: Number and Size of Settlement per sector 260 215 8720 Through data analysis, suitable areas for different land uses have been identified, and the settlements have been zoned in convenient locations considering various aspects. The urban and rural settlement areas were mapped and the associated land use zones were planned. Steep slope zones of more than 55% were identified, where forest plantations will be allocated, and then the disaster-prone areas were identified. The analysis of spatial and non-spatial data in Rwamagana District helped in effective land use allocation as well as effective planning of land use balance of different thematic areas. For Rwamagana DLUP data analysis, geospatial technology, especially GIS software, was used to acquire data from the field and manipulate it in the office to get a clear representation. With regard to GIS software, the technical team used ArcGIS 10.8 version, as well as ArcGIS pro, to create the shape files and associated maps for zoning, for example, taking into account the existing situation and the planned land use plans. GIS further helped in creating tabular data by referring to the attribute tables of the geospatial data. These tabulated data were later analysed using Excel and SPSS to ensure a good and accurate representation in the report. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 34 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202556 Map 8: Distribution of rural Settlements sites in the district The results of Rwamagana DLUP data analysis represent the distinct land use planning layers for the current and planned land use allocations. The result includes the maps, tables, and graphs that describe the land use planning outcomes in Rwamagana District. 3.6 Rwamagana DLUP report compilation The DLUP Report represents all land use planning related concepts, data, and other information that illustrates how land use is allocated, to support the effective use of resources and land, and guides future development at District level. The DLUP report serves to document the current status and projected situation with respect to land use in the district. During the development of the DLUP, data collected both in collateral and on-site was compiled into a single document that represents the district master plan. This document consists of text, maps, tables, diagrams, and other outlines that describe the district in concern given the background of all the issues. The elaboration of the DLUP report started in parallel with the data collection but was extensively elaborated Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 35 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202557 after the field. For two weeks, NLA staff, in collaboration with District staff, developed the report. An internal validation was conducted to provide input to improve the structure and quality of the report. The retreat with the district and relevant stakeholders was held in Rwamagana District to harmonise the report and collect comments from various partners. The outcome of the retreat was constructive comments, gathering of various data to fill the gaps, and the good structure of the report. The Rwamagana DLUP report is structured in such a way that it starts with the introduction, then continues with the legal and policy framework, methodology, Rwamagana land use and development plan, implementation strategies, compliance and monitoring, conclusions and recommendations, and annexes Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 36 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202558 4. DISTRICT LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING 4.2 Visioning and economic specialisation of the district 4.2.1 Vision of Rwamagana District “A vision is a dynamic combination of values, aspirations and economic possibilities. As a consequence, it is much more than a physical or economic development plan. A good vision statement tells a story about that city and how it thinks about itself. In order to arrive at this kind of formulation, a Rwamagana needs to look intensely at three key elements: ◻ ◻ ◻ Its values and heritage; Its economic niche; and Its unique and essential character. It is in this regard that the Vision and Strategy was developed through a broad consultative process of discussion with business, stakeholders and community representatives to have an overview of how their aspirations and the future of their city could look like, their aspirations and the above components are blended together to define the vision.” Based on the Spatial SWOT analysis, the vision for Rwamagana District is to become an "Agribusiness and logistics hub." This vision is aligned with the district's strengths in agriculture, agro processing, and logistics, as well as the opportunities for sustainable and eco-friendly practices. The vision also recognizes the potential for the district to serve as a central location and growing the tourism industry. During the elaboration of Rwamagana DLUP, agricultural land use has been given priority and is designed to act as a springboard for manufacturing through agro-processing and food security for the Country. 4.2.2 Current Economic Specialisation in Rwamagana District The high economic growth has been mainly driven by trade, industry, mining and tourism which have been enhanced by the strategic location of Rwamagana District. There is employment opportunities linked to Lake Muhazi and Lake Mugesera and its capacity to develop tourism, recreation, water transport and fish farming. Additionally, given the close proximity to Kigali City, there is rapid industrial development with upgraded infrastructure in place. In terms of employment, there is a heavy reliance on agriculture which employs more than 57% of the working age population registered as independent farmers, and 11.7% as independent non-farmers (EICV 5). 4.2.3 Planned economic specialisation for Rwamagana District ● Agriculture Rwamagana District will be a thriving agri-hub that has established itself as an authentic and culturally diverse with high quality life maintained through sustainable rapid economic growth thus accelerating poverty reduction. Consolidation of agricultural land will modernise agricultural techniques and promote climate resilient practices, using cash crop varieties that are resilient to adverse climatic effects. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 37 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202559 ● Tourism Lakes Mugesera and Muhazi hold huge tourism potential. Key tourism hotspots have been planned around the lakes to accommodate hospitality services. However, infrastructure, especially road networks, and skills remain the biggest challenge in the tourism sector. ● Agro-processing and logistics The youth population of 16 years and above still account for the highest percentage of population of Rwamagana District. Decent jobs are envisioned to be created by an increasing agro-processing industry. Light industrial zones have been planned to accommodate Udukiriro, agro-processing plants and warehouses. As it was recommended by NLUDMP 2020-2050, Rwamagana District is among the districts with industrial parks, to facilitate logistics and manufacturing. 4.3 District demographic features 4.3.1 Existing Population of Rwamagana District A comparison between the census data from NISR 2002, 2012 and 2022 shows that the population of Rwamagana District increased from 220,502 in 2002; 313,461 in 2012 to 484,595 in 2022. Name of the 2012 Census 2022 Census 2002 Sector Male Female Total Male Female Total Fumbwe 13,752 10,467 11,215 21,682 15,678 17,396 33,074 Gahengeri 14,891 11,459 12,058 23,517 17,391 18,341 35,732 Gishali 15,017 11,088 11,945 23,033 18,405 18,287 36,692 Karenge 18,443 11,065 11,690 22,755 13,828 14,697 28,525 Kigabiro 23,906 16,206 16,524 32,730 23,159 24,199 47,358 Muhazi 25,766 16,444 13,061 29,505 35,163 18,319 53,482 Munyaga 11,079 7,479 8,728 16,207 9,803 11,009 20,812 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 38 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202560 Munyiginya 11,072 7,991 8,989 16,980 11,497 12,700 24,197 Musha 13,802 10,122 11,023 21,145 13,209 14,316 27,525 Muyumbu 15,763 11,978 12,264 24,242 27,582 29,299 56,881 Mwulire 13,091 10,451 11,378 21,829 16,342 17,594 33,936 Nyakaliro 15,568 9,916 10,280 20,196 18,145 19,393 37,538 Nzige Rubona Total 12,475 7,441 8,063 15,504 9,341 9,944 19,285 15,877 11,500 12,636 24,136 14,251 15,665 29,916 population 220,502 153,607 159,854 313,461 243,794 241,159 484,953 Table 5: Comparison of population growth between census of 2002 and 2012 and 2022. From 2012 to 2022, Muhazi and Muyumbu have had a highest population increase of 81% and 135% respectively. Two Sectors that need attention in terms of managing rapid population growth. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 39 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202561 Figure 10: Population growth in Sectors between 2002, 2012 and 2022 Census periods 4.3.2 Population Distribution, Density and Structure With an area of 682km2, the population of Rwamagana District according to 2012 Census was 313,461 where 51.5% are female. The density then was 460/km2. According to RPHC 5-2022, the population of Rwamagana has increased by 171,492 people representing a percentage increase of 54.7% relative to 2012, and a density of 740/km2. The number of households currently stands at 121,051. In terms of age structure, the population aged between 16-30 years represents 27% of the total population, where 43.5% are children or the population aged between 0-17 years. EICV 5 records a 78.1% literacy rate of the population aged 15 and above. The household size is reducing with increasing literacy and Government effort to increase sensitization in family planning. Sector Gross area Area (ha) Population density Population density (km2) 2012 Mwulire Fumbwe Gahengeri Gishari Karenge Kigabiro Muhazi Munyaga Munyiginya Musha Muyumbu Nyakariro Nzige Rubona 55 44 63 45 63 47 48 41 32 45 50 52 40 55 Table 6: Population Density 5,509 4,380 6,294 4,500 6,315 4,746 4,804 4,127 3,222 4,521 5,035 5,156 3,997 5,550 493 373 511 359 867 512 390 531 472 482 394 404 387 434 2022 612 797 567 889 495 1,268 1,029 506 805 642 1,132 752 483 565 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 40 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202562 From figures indicated in the table above, Karenge Sector had the highest population density in 2012, while Muyumbu Sector became the most densely populated by 2022. Conversely, Fumbwe Sector had the lowest population density in 2012, with Nzige Sector taking this position in 2022. These demographic shifts across various sectors can be attributed to factors such as urban development and migration, primarily driven by people moving from Kigali City in search of a more affordable life, as well as internal migration and movement from neighbouring districts. 4.3.2.1 Emerging challenges on population Rwamagana’s population growth will largely be influenced by land use measures put in place to spur economic growth. It has been shown that existing growth rates will not achieve the desired population target, hence the socio-economic benefits that urbanisation and agglomerated settlements brings will not be achieved. To achieve the desired impact and outcome, a targeted implementation strategy is needed. NLUDMP 2020-2050 suggests freezing construction of residential housing in all other areas but the ones identified for residential development. This means that rapid physical planning of the settlement sites is critical. Tools such as land readjustments and detailed physical planning will play an important role in the process. Continuous engagement with the population will also be sustained. Key areas that will also need the attention of the district include the identified attraction and economic nodes. Population is shifting to the Rurban area of Muyumbu and Nyakaliro as shown by high population growth. Existing physical plans will control sprawl and ensure sustainable urbanisation. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 41 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202563 4.3.2.2 Projected Population of Rwamagana According to the NLUDMP 2020-2050 it is assumed that the population will be distributed based on recommended hierarchy and economic potentials of each city. In addition, the rurban population and the number of rurban settlements within each District and the geographical distribution of the rural population is based on a spatial distribution that is proportional to the future agricultural land as per the Land Use Category (LUCA). Rwamagana District is one of the three Satellite Cities, with three rurban centers and 109 rural settlement sites, and falls under LUCA B. The total population of the district is estimated to reach 715,132 by 2035 and 1,119,500 by 2050 as detailed in the tables and figure below: Sector Type of Sector Population 2022 HHs 2022 2035 HHs 2035 2050 HHs 2050 Number of Population Number of Population Number of Fumbwe Rural & urban Gahengeri Rural Gishali Rural & urban Karenge Rural & urban Kigabiro Rural & urban Muhazi Rural & urban Munyaga Rural Munyiginya Rural & urban 33,074 35,732 36,692 28,525 47,358 53,482 20812 24,197 8,389 49,667 12,417 78,696 19,674 9119 8933 31,888 7,972 27,964 6,991 56,119 14,030 89,973 22,493 7,518 40,408 10,102 61,509 15,377 13,059 96,679 24,170 179,676 44,919 8,999 100,125 25,031 179,177 44,794 5570 18,573 4,643 16,287 4,072 6,263 27,242 6,810 33,738 8,434 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 42 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202564 Musha Rural & urban Muyumbu Rural & urban Mwulire Rural & urban Nyakaliro Rural & urban Rural Rural Nzige Rubona Total 27,525 56,881 33,936 37,538 19285 29916 6,906 27,109 6,777 28,211 7,053 15,020 109,582 27,396 198,671 49,668 8700 56,128 14,032 94,287 23,572 9,677 57,702 14,425 92,806 23,202 5033 7865 17,210 4,303 15,092 3,773 26,698 6,674 23,412 5,853 484,953 121,051 715,132 178,783 1,119,500 279,875 Table 7: Population projection per administrative Sectors according to NLUDMP 2020-2050 guidelines Population/Year 2012 2022 2035 2050 Number of Number Number Number Population HHs Population of HHs Population of HHs Population of HHs Total Population 313,461 74,175 484,953 121,051 715,132 178,783 1,119,500 279,875 Rwamagana Satellite City 26,959 6,740 103,695 27,635 256,762 64,191 511,545 127,886 Muyumbu-Nyakariro Rurban Center - - 52,423 13,692 129,806 32,452 258,611 64,653 Nyagasambu Rurban Center - - 12,724 3,263 31,506 7,877 62,770 15,692 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 43 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202565 Karenge Rurban Center - - 9,441 2,484 23,377 5,844 46,574 11,644 Sub-total(rurban) - - 74,588 19,439 184,689 46,172 367,955 91,989 Sub-total(urban) 26,959 6,740 180,056 47,075 441,451 110,363 879,500 219,875 Rural population 286,502 67,435 304,897 73,976 273,680 68,420 240,000 60,000 Satellite City (%) - - 21.4% 22.8% 35.9% Rurban (%) Urban (%) Rural (%) - - 15.4% 16.1% 25.8% 8.6% 9.1% 37.1% 38.9% 61.7% 91.4% 90.9% 62.9% 61.1% 38.3% Urban + Rural (%) 100% 100% 100% 45.7% 32.9% 78.6% 21.4% 100% Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 44 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202566 Figure 11. Rwamagana Population change in 2022 and 2050 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 45 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202567 4.3.2.3 Population and NLUDMP 2020-2050 and implications on DLUP Based on RPHC5 and the resulting projection, a number of spatial planning strategies have been proposed to achieve the desired socio-economic benefit by ensuring that the population of Rwamagana reaches 1,119,500 by 2050. 4.4 Urbanisation and Settlement The total area of the district, inclusive of all water bodies, is 682 km2. As per the 2022 census, the total population was 484,953 (50.3% male and 49.7% female). The density is 740/km2. Though the district is predominantly rural, the population living in urban areas increased rapidly to 37% of the total population according to RPHC5. The district currently has two levels of settlement:  Urban settlement (A Satellite City and 3 Rurban Centers)  Rural Settlements Rwamagana District has the potential to support the urbanisation hierarchy in Rwanda, as it comprises Rwamagana Satellite City, as proposed by the NLUDMP 2020-2050. The urbanisation hierarchy consists of four urban areas, Rwamagana Satellite City and three Rurban Centers. The Satellite City plays an important role in the agriculture, logistics and tourism industry development. In addition to the Satellite City, Karenge, Nyagasambu and Muyumbu-Nyakariro Rurban Centers serve an important role in supporting urbanisation and trade in the district. There are also 80 rural settlement sites that have been integrated into the urbanisation hierarchy. The table below tabulates each category, name, area and recommended population as per NLUDMP 2020-2050. Hierarchy Name Total Area Total Population 1 Satellite City Rwamagana 65 km2 650K-1M 3 Rurban Centers Karenge 16.9 km2 200K-350K Muyumbu-Nyakaliro Nyagasambu Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 46 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202568 Rural Settlements At least 1 in each Cell 45 km2 150K-250K Table 8: Settlement Hierarchy and Population Distribution in Rwamagana District Satellite Cities are to be developed as economic growth poles for movement within the district and the region, to mitigate migration to the capital city. Positive migration by farmers to join highly modernised agriculture is positive. This means that the main migration to Satellite Cities should be from the nearby villages, hence the need to develop pull factors to attract people to the Satellites instead of the Capital City. 4.4.1 Rwamagana Proposed Land Use 2050 Rwamagana DLUP is guided by the principles set in the NLUDMP 2020-2050. The proposed land use is up to the year 2050. The proposed zoning plan aims to ensure the following: a) Large consolidated land will encourage modernised agriculture, as opposed to fragmented land. b) Forestry is enhanced by ensuring that all areas prone to flooding, landslides, water catchments and steep slopes are afforested. c) Buffer zones, which protect water bodies and wetlands, are considered as a critical land use to protect sensitive water. d) A mixed-use compact development is applied to the Rurban Centres of Muyumbu-Nyakariro, Karenge and Nyagasambu with high densities to ensure walkable city districts accessed via sustainable transport, mainly public transport. e) All public services, public facilities and critical infrastructure should be accessible within walking and/or cycling distance or accessed via public transport. f) Retail and commercial zones are proposed along major transport corridors accessed via public transport or NMT. g) Residential zones are planned to accommodate both current and future populations and future incremental or expansion zones are proposed. h) Urban design interventions are proposed, especially in Nyagasambu areas. i) An educational, health and fitness precinct featuring a stadium with sports facilities will be Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 47 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202569 developed alongside a Agakiriro centre at Muyumbu-Nyakariro Section. j) To develop well-planned and pedestrian friendly markets. k) To conserve the existing single-family residential areas as well as important heritage landmarks. l) To redevelop the civic and cultural amenities and the Kigali-Kayonza spine. m) The lakes shore, to a distance of about 150m from the lake buffers, are designated as open space for tourism that will have controlled access to the lake shores. n) Sensitive and fragile zones have been conserved and or protected. Map 9: 2050 land use and Zoning Plan Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 48 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202570 Rwamagana District Land Use Balance sheet Land Use Agriculture Buffer Commercial Ecotourism Forest Industry Public administration Public Facility Public Utility Residential Transportation Waterbody Wetland Total Area in Ha Percentage 38543.1 1362.2 500.0 309.0 7087.2 457.3 4.3 1026.4 57.7 9181.5 4074.5 2832.3 2888.4 56.4 2.0 0.7 0.5 10.4 0.7 0.0 1.5 0.1 13.4 6.0 4.1 4.2 68323.8 100.0 4.4.2 Rwamagana Satellite City Rwamagana Satellite City has an area of 4799.2 ha (49.9 km2) and is located in the Muhazi, Gishali, Munyiginya, Musha, Mwurire and Kigabiro Sector. The Satellite City has developed due to the corridor Kigali-Rwamagana-Kayonza-Rusumo and Nyagatare main roads as well as the availability of infrastructure like road, religious and public facilities, public administration headquarters, commercial facilities, lake Muhazi etc. NLUDMP 2020-2050 positioned Rwamagana District as one of three Satellite Cities in the country, together with Bugesera and Muhanga District. 4.4.2.1 Rwamagana Satellite City existing land use in 2023 According to existing land use, built up zones and agriculture are the main land uses covering 64.5% and Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 49 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202571 30.6% respectively. The table below tabulates shares of existing land use in Rwamagana Satellite City. Land Use Agriculture Built up Forest Waterbody Wetland Total Area in Ha Percentage 1470.5 3093.4 75.8 21.5 138 4799.1 30.6 64.5 1.6 0.4 2.9 100 Table 9. Satellite City existing land use balance sheet in 2023 Map 10: Rwamagana Satellite city existing land use in 2023 4.4.2.2 Rwamagana Satellite City Proposed land Use Rwamagana Satellite City is located between Kigali City and Kayonza Secondary City along the National Road Kigali-Rusumo. This location provides opportunities to develop trade of agricultural products such as fruits, flowers, and vegetables. As proposed, 18.1% is allocated for agriculture, 3.4% for forest, 37.6% Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 50 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202572 for residential development and 12.6 % transportation. Land Use Agriculture Buffer Commercial Ecotourism Forest Industry Open spaces Public administration Public Facility Public Utility Residential Transportation Waterbody Wetland Total Area in Ha Percentage 867.2 44.5 374.2 14.5 162.1 232.7 13.1 4.3 496.1 39.1 1806.3 604.1 0 141 4799.2 18.1 0.9 7.8 0.3 3.4 4.8 0.3 0.1 10.3 0.8 37.6 12.6 0 2.9 100 Table 10. Satellite City Proposed Land Use Balance Sheet Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 51 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202573 Map 11: showing proposed land use in Rwamagana Satellite City 4.4.3 Rwamagana Rurban Centers The Rurban Centers in Rwamagana District are proposed to grow mainly due to by absorbing people migrating from Kigali City, to become major Rurban centres with a mix of urban residential, commercial, and retail facilities as well as education, healthcare, and leisure all linked by parks, plazas, walkways and bikeways. Enticing and inviting lakeshores are all accessible via walking and cycling, or by public transport. The dense character of the urban areas is surrounded by agricultural land, creating neighbourhoods that are enjoyable to live in. Rurban Centers are emerging centers of linkage between rural and urban areas. The following factors were considered when selecting the Rurban Centers, taking into consideration the district council guidance as follows:  Emerging existing potential trading centers;  High pressure of growing residential settlements; Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 52 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202574  Geographic location;  Existing and developing infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity, healthcare and educational facilities, employment opportunities, etc. NLUDMP 2020-2050 identified Nyagasambu, Muyumbu-Nyakaliro and Karenge as the Rurban Centres in Rwamagana District. Their zoning proposals are based on the existing conditions, socio-economic surveys and through stakeholders’ engagement, especially the land owners in the areas. Physical planning and land readjustment projects are currently being undertaken in both Karenge and Nyagasambu. In some sections, roads have been developed. 4.4.3.1 Nyagasambu Rurban Center a) Nyagasambu Rurban Center Existing Land Use in 2023 Nyagasambu Rurban Center is located in Fumbwe Sector covering a total area of 445.2 ha. Currently, agriculture covers 22.9% of the area, and built-up areas (housing etc.) covers 72.7%. The table below shows the existing land use balance sheet in Nyagasambu Rurban Center. Land Use Area in Ha Percentage Agriculture Built up Forest Wetland Total 102.1 323.8 0.4 18.9 445.2 22.9 72.7 0.1 4.3 100 Table 11: Existing land use in Nyagasambu Rurban Center in 2023 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 53 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202575 Map 12: showing Nyagasambu Rurban existing land use in 2023 b) Nyagasambu Ruraban Center proposed Land Use During elaboration of Rwamagana DLUP, Nyagasambu Rurban Center has been given zones facilitating future economic development including mixed land use commercial zones, public facilities and administration, transportation network and terminals, residential zones to accommodate future population in Nyagasambu Rurban Center as well as urban agriculture to secure food. In this regard, residential zones have been planned covering 60.4%, transportation cover 17.3% and urban agriculture cover 7.2%. The table below shows the planned land use balance sheet in Nyagasambu rurban center up to 2050. Land Use Agriculture Buffer Commercial Ecotourism Forest Area in Ha Percentage 32.1 7.2 12 10.3 0.1 7.2 1.6 2.7 2.3 0 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 54 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202576 Industry Public Facility Public Utility Residential Transportation Wetland Total 0 18.9 0.2 269.1 76.9 18.3 445.2 Table 12: Planned land use in Nyagasambu rurban center 0 4.3 0 60.4 17.3 4.1 100 Map 13: proposed land use in Nyagasambu Rurban Center 4.4.3.2 Karenge Rurban Center a) Karenge Rurban Center Existing Land Use in 2023 Karenge Rurban Center is located in Karenge Sector covering a total area of 774.3 ha. Currently, agriculture covers 9.2% of the area, and built-up areas (housing etc.) covers 90.6%. The table below shows the existing land use balance sheet in Karenge Rurban Center. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 55 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202577 Land Use Agriculture Built up Forest Total Area in Ha Percentage 39.4 388.2 0.8 428.4 9.2 90.6 0.2 100 Table 13: Existing land use in Karenge rurban center in 2023 Map 14: showing Karenge Rurban existing land use in 2023 b) Karenge Rurban Center proposed Land Use Karenge Rurban Center has been zoned to facilitate future economic development including mixed use and commercial areas, public facilities and administration, transportation network and terminals, residential zones to accommodate the future population as well as urban agriculture for food security. Residential zones cover 62.5% of the area, transportation 23.8% and urban agriculture cover 0.2%. The table below shows the planned land use balance sheet in Karenge rurban center up to 2050. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 56 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202578 Land Use Agriculture Commercial Forest Industry Public Facility Public Utility Residential Transportation Total Area in Ha Percentage 0.9 15.7 0 19.6 20.6 1.7 267.9 102.1 428.5 0.2 3.7 0 4.6 4.8 0.4 62.5 23.8 100 Table 14: Planned land use in Karenge Rurban Center Map 15: showing proposed land use in Karenge rurban center Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 57 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202579 4.4.3.3 Muyumbu-Nyakariro Rurban Center a) Muyumbu-Nyakariro Rurban Existing Land Use in 2023 Muyumbu-Nyakariro Rurban Center covers a total area of 1582.5 ha. Currently, agriculture covers 18.3% of the area, and built-up areas (housing etc.) 80.1%. The table below shows the existing land use balance sheet in Muyumbu-Nyakariro Rurban Center. Land Use Agriculture Built up Forest Wetland Total Area in Ha Percentage 289.1 1,268 0.4 25 1,582.5 18.3 80.1 0 1.6 100 Table 15: Existing land use in Muyumbu-Nyakariro Rurban Center in 2023 Map 16: Muyumbu-Nyakariro Rurban Center existing land use in 2023 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 58 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202580 b) Muyumbu-Nyakariro Ruraban Center proposed Land Use Muyumbu-Nyakriro Rurban Center has been zoned to facilitate future economic development including mixed-use and commercial areas, public facilities and administration, transportation network and terminals, residential zones to accommodate the future population as well as urban agriculture for food security . Residential zones have been planned covering 67.3%, transportation 19.7% and urban agriculture 2%. The table below shows the planned land use balance sheet in Muyumbu-Nyakariro Rurban Center up to 2050. Land Use Agriculture Buffer Commercial Ecotourism Forest Industry Public Facility Public Utility Residential Transportation Wetland Total Area in Ha Percentage 31.9 8.3 74 28 0.7 9.9 26.1 0.9 1065.6 312.2 25 1582.5 2 0.5 4.7 1.8 0 0.6 1.6 0.1 67.3 19.7 1.6 100 Table 16: Planned land use in Muyumbu-Nyakariro Rurban Center Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 59 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202581 Map 17: proposed land use in Muyumbu-Nyakriro Rurban Center 4.4.4 Rural Settlement Sites 4.4.4.1 Existing rural settlements The most common type of habitat in Rwamagana District is the clustered rural settlement (known as Imidugudu), followed by squatter housing and dispersed or isolated housing. The categories of rural settlement can be grouped into; linear settlement, cluster settlement or sparse settlement. 4.4.4.2 Evaluation criteria for rural settlement sites Stage 1: Based on the rural settlement sites already identified by NLUDMP 2020-2050, an evaluation was done based on existing well planned Umidugudu, centers with utilities and social-public amenities, school, proximity to health post, roads, water, sports, recreational and leisure playgrounds, ECD, market, and cowsheds. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 60 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202582 Stage 2: Removal or addition of rural settlement sites, or changes to the settlement boundary based on availability of space for new developments with minimum disturbance. Stage 3: Relocation of scattered homesteads should be participatory. Existing structures outside of the settlement zones can be utilised for agricultural purposes, otherwise demolished. 4.4.4.3 NLUDMP 2020-2050 vs DLUP proposed rural settlement sites As per NLUDMP 2020-2050, a total area of 8,972 ha was designated for rural settlement sites in Rwamagana District. Upon review, the boundaries of the rural settlement sites were adjusted to conform with existing ground conditions such as natural features, infrastructure or other boundaries. The rationale is that each parcel of land will only be assigned one land use. Figure 12: Original Boundary in red versus final Boundary in shade of Rural settlements After evaluation, 62 rural settlement sites were confirmed in Rwamagana District. The total area was reduced to 7,532 ha and will accommodate a population of around 240,000. Given that NLUDMP 2020- 2050 recommends high density housing typologies, including exploitation of the underground, this will include reducing lot sizes to 300m2. Each rural settlement site will have public and social amenities such as sports, recreational and leisure spaces, school and ECD, community health post, roads, market, cowsheds, etc. The specific location for these social facilities will be determined by a detailed site plan. Sector Fumbwe Gahengeri Gishari Karenge Rural Settlement (Ha) 450.8 891.3 907.8 444.6 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 61 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202583 Kigabiro Muhazi Munyaga Munyiginya Musha Muyumbu Mwulire Nyakaliro Nzige Rubona Total 161.4 284.0 316.1 440.4 940.8 393.2 237.4 456.5 452.7 1,155.2 7,532 Table 17:Showing area of planned rural settlement site per Sector in Rwamagana District Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 62 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202584 Map 18: Distribution of Rural Settlements in Rwamagana Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 63 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202585 4.4.5. NLUDMP 2020-2050 National Directives vs Rwamagana DLUP 2022-2050 alignment Changes have been observed in the settlement boundaries initially proposed by the NLUDMP 20202050. This is due to the incorporation of participatory planning principles during the DLUP development. This participatory method led to adjustments that are supporting Rwamagana's vision. The following table provides remarks on the observed changes about the DLUP proposal vs NLUDMP 2020-2050 proposals. Settlement NLUDMP 2020-2050 directives DLUP 2023-2050 proposals Area (2050) (km2) 65 Type Nbr Area (2035) (km2) Rwamagana 1 49 Satellite City Remarks: Pop in 2035 Nbr Area 2035 Pop 2035 Area 2050 Pop 2050 (2050) (km2) (km2) 440,000 (800,000) 1 47.9 440,000 TBD 511,545 The Satellite City boundary is aligned with the size recommended by NLUDMP 2020-2050 in 2035. However, it is to be noted that in 2035, the boundary will be re-assessed and enlarged to the size of 65km2 recommended in 2050 to accommodate projected population (511,545) in Rwamagana Satellite City in 2050. Rurbans 3 N/A 16.9 98,628 3 24.5 184,689 TBD 367,955 The proposed size of rurban boundaries is bigger than the size recommended by NLUDMP 2020-2050. This is due to the recent rapid population migration in Muyumbu, Fumbwe and Nyakariro Sectors. In perspective, 2022 population census highlighted that rurban centers had a population of 74,588 whereas NLUDMP projected a population of 98,628 by 2050. Rwamagana DLUP projects a population of 367,955 in 2050. Hence the size of rurban boundaries is extended to accommodate this demand. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 64 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202586 Total Urban 4 N/A 81.9 538,628 4 72.4 624,689 TBD 879,500 areas Rural 109 N/A 45 240,000 62 75.32 273,680 TBD 240,000 settlement sites Remarks: The number of rural settlement sites recommended by NLUDMP 2020-2050 has been reduced due to their integration into urban zones or merging with nearby sites. Additionally, some were removed due to environmental constraints such as steep slopes and flood-prone areas. The area of rural settlement sites will reduce gradually to achieve 2050 targets. Table 18. NLUDMP 2020-2050 National directives vs Rwamagana DLUP 2022-2050 alignment In 2035, a revision of the DLUP is recommended in order to reassess settlements, potentially leading to adjustments in the size or number, either by increasing or decreasing them as necessary, while taking into consideration the NLUDMP 2020-2050’s flexibility on proposal of 10% change in settlement boundaries. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 65 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202587 4.5 Housing 4.5.1 Existing situation Nature and characteristics of housing, its socio-economic, socio-cultural and physical aspects is a critical component in the elaboration of a Land Use plan and or a Master Plan. In the development context of the NLUDMP 2020-2050, future demand, supply, land, and infrastructure must be considered. Also critical is the analysis of housing layouts and exploration of alternatives. The housing sector is also dependent on public services such as water supply, sanitation, and solid waste management, as well as public facilities such as cultural facilities, healthcare, and education. In addition, sustainability related to the built environment and climate change must be addressed. The general understanding of housing is as a 'shelter’. It is also defined as ‘all auxiliary services and community facilities which are necessary for human well-being’. Defined this way, housing encompasses not only the physical space of a house, but also the surrounding areas and the physical facilities provided within this area. Thus, housing becomes a physical object within the physical environment. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 66 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202588 a) House ownership status At the national level, 72% of the people surveyed in 2020 by LODA indicated that they either built or bought their own House. Eastern Province has the majority of that status at 76%. 4.5.2 Planned perspective for housing in Rwamagana District Housing is the largest land consumer both in urban and rural settlements. Therefore, it is essential to base the future demands on desired and sustainable housing types that fit the lifestyle of future Rwandans. Within this context, the size, model, and tenure of dwelling needed for 2050 are essential. Six purposes drive this section: ● Characterization of housing types in 2050 by spatial and architectural parameters ● Match housing types with settlement categories, for maximum suitability. ● Assessment of the demands for housing types, based on population targets in each district ● Measurements of land requirements for residential areas by 2050 ● Extrapolating the land requirements for residential areas to land requirements for entire cities. ● Feeding all this information into NLUDMP 2020-2050, making room for settlements of all kinds, The target in the housing sector is a steady annual increase of building on one hand and access to housing mortgages on the other hand. A second target is to develop new local construction materials and housing typologies. The achievement of these targets will be the backbone for the roll-out of affordable and decent housing countrywide. NLUDMP 2020-2050 recommends considering mixed-use urban development in which a real estate in a city or suburb can blend different functions such as residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, etc. into one block. Five housing categories were proposed to be considered by local-level planning to achieve the desired consolidation and agglomeration as presented in the following figure. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 67 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202589 Figure 13: Dwelling units needed in Rwanda by 2050- Source: NLUDMP 2020-2050 4.5.3 Proposed Housing stock in Rwamagana District The NLUDMP 2020-2050 proposes that given the future demographic trends and the high housing needs that require a large housing stock and space, it is strongly recommended to develop vertical housing infrastructure in urban and rural areas in the form of multi-family apartments and socio-economic infrastructure. As presented on the figure 8 above, the NLUDMP 2020-2050 recommends A+, A, B, C, D. as housing typologies to achieve the optimal and efficient use of land in Rwanda. These typologies have been translated into more comprehensive residential and housing typologies, as established by Land use and zoning regulations to guide the development of residential areas across the country. Thus, the DLUP implemented NLUDMP 2020-2050 proposed densification by grouping them into different residential categories as Low density (R1, R1A), Medium density (R1B, R2 & R3) and High density (R4). Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 68 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202590 Related R1 R1A R1B R2 R3 R4 Zone/DLUP Density (DU/ha) 10-15 20-30 40-70 60-100 60-90 90+n Lot size (m2) 500 300 150 200 100 750 Max no. floors G+2+P G+2+P G+2 G+3 max G+3 G+n Table 19: Residential zone categories with respective densification According to NLUDMP 2020-2050, by 2050, Rwamagana District will host 279,875 dwelling units whereby 127,886 dwelling units will be hosted in Rwamagana Satellite City, 91,989 dwelling units in Rurban Centers, and 60,000 dwelling units in rural settlement sites. To comply with NLUDMP 2020-2050 directives of dwelling units to be hosted in 2050, proposed dwelling units were calculated based on land allocated for residential zones in urban, rurban and rural settlements areas. As highlighted in the table below, dwelling units are presented as per residential category to clearly indicate the areas that will be reserved for residential zones. In urban areas, based on projections of Households as per NLUDM 2020-2050, Rwamagana District will have 219,875 dwelling units by 2050 and as there will be a movement of people from rural areas to urban areas, DLUP planned to host 252,559 dwelling units in (High density) which will be assessed in 2035 for further urban area extension. In rural settlement sites particularly, Rwamagana DLUP plans to host 60,000 dwelling units by 2050. However, as proposed by the NLUDMP 2020-2050, the process of restructuring the agglomerations (Imidugudu system) into organised clusters will need to be undertaken continuously throughout the next 30 years. Thus, people will move progressively from rural areas to urban areas looking for employment opportunities in urban areas, the total of 241,882 dwelling units (Low density) are reserved and will be decreased progressively up to 60,000 dwelling units by 2050 recommended by NLUDMP 2020-2050 for Rwamagana District, as a result of the migration of people from rural areas to urban areas, which will be assessed during the revision of DLUP in 2035 to determine whether residential areas previously occupied by those who will move to urban areas can be dedicated to agriculture zones. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 69 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202591 Settlement category No. of DU by 2050 (NLUDMP 2020-2050) Resident ial categori es R1 Area (ha) No. of DU (min. density) No. of DU (max. density) No. of DU (med. density) 35.33 353 530 442 % of area 0.30 9.10 7.07 R1A 530.93 10,619 15,928 13,273 R1B 187.43 7,497 13,120 10,308 R2 R3 R4 R1 R1A R1B R2 R3 773.95 46,437 77,395 61,916 42.47 773.95 46,437 69,656 58,046 39.82 18.96 2,321 1,706 1,896 1,801 113,049 - 178,524 - 145,787 - 946.0 18,919 28,379 23,649 1.24 98.76 - 39.29 343.2 13,729 24,026 18,878 31.36 107.0 6,419 10,698 8,559 14.22 121.5 1,518 7,288 46,355 10,932 74,035 9,110 15.13 60,195 100.00 Satellite City 127,886 Sub-Total Rurbans 91,989 Sub-Total Sub-Total (City+Rurb an) 219,875 3,838 159,405 252,559 205,982 Rural settlements 60,000 Sub-Total Total 279,875 R1A R1B R2 R3 45.74 6,024 914.76 1,372 1,143 0.34 240,968 421,693 331,330 99.66 0.87 52.00 86.67 69.34 10.17 6,081 9,919 610.10 915.15 762.62 241,882 401,287 423,065 675,625 332,474 538,456 0.02 0.23 100 Table 20. Housing Stock/Proposed Residential zones and Number of Dwelling units a) Rural Residential Zone (R1B) The Rural Residential Zone (R1B) is a residential zone offering compact developments in rural areas. The R1B Zone is intended to offer low rise housing as part of the farming community and complementary public facilities as needed. The purpose is to create a sustainable and compact residential settlement in the rural settlement sites and the rural areas of the city, limiting encroachment towards the fertile agricultural land. Within the R1B zone, all types of single-family houses and multi-family housing as per the IDP Model Villages. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 70 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202592 Targeted density is 40-70 DU/ha for single use, and 30-50 DU/ha for mixed-use. The maximum number of stories allowed for single-family is two (2) equalling G+1, and three (3) for all other typologies (G+2). Maximum plot size for row housing or single-family units is 150m2. Figure 14: Housing typology for R1B- by NLA, 2023 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 71 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202593 Figure 15: Example of Housing Typology in R1B -2 -Source: Drawings by NLA, 2023 b) Low-Density Residential Densification Zone (R1A) The Low-Density Residential Densification Zone (R1A) is a residential zone for semidetached houses, single family townhouses, multifamily houses, and low-rise developments. The R1A zone is intended to offer low and medium rise housing and complementary commercial and public facilities as needed. The lot sizes in the R1A zone are smaller than in the Low-Density Residential Zone (R1), to distinguish the R1A zone as a higher density low rise residential neighbourhood. The purpose is to promote more efficient use Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 72 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202594 of the lands in prime areas of the city or town by allowing for intensification and mix of uses of the existing low-density housing development. Targeted density is 20-30 DU/ha for single use, and 15-20 DU/ha for mixed-use. The maximum number of stories allowed are three (3) plus an additional penthouse floor (G+2+P). Maximum plot size is 300m2. Figure 16 : Example of Housing Typology in R1A - Source: Drawings by NLA, 2023 Figure 17: Example of Housing Typology in R1A- (Source: Drawings by NLA, 2023) Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 73 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202595 c) Low-Density Residential Zone (R1) The Low-Density Residential Zone (R1) is for single family housing, e.g. standalone villa or bungalow, and complementary commercial and public facilities as needed. The zoning is limited to existing consolidated areas with the objective of limiting low-density urban development and encouraging compact and dense developments. In all R1 zones, R1A regulations are permitted (see R1A). Maximum plot size is 500m2. For plots bigger than 500m2, existing developments can retain their use. For plots less than 300m2, R1A regulations shall apply. For single family use a density of maximum 10-15 DU/Ha is allowed. For mixed-use developments a density of maximum 7-10 DU/ha is allowed. The maximum number of stories allowed are three (3) plus an additional penthouse floor (G+2+P). Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 74 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202596 Figure 18: Example of Housing typology in R1 (Source: Drawings by NLA, 2023) d) Medium Density Residential - Improvement Zone (R2) The Medium Density Residential - Improvement Zone (R2) is intended for upgradation of unplanned settlements or redevelopment of urban renewal areas, wherever feasible in the brownfield sites. A variety in housing typologies and developments are encouraged, intended to stimulate the upgrading, redevelopment, and densification of these areas. Stand-alone single-family housing is however not allowed. The objective is to improve the overall physical appearance of the area as well as improve living conditions Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 75 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202597 for residents. By enabling upgrades in the short term, and redevelopment through land assembly in the medium-long term, developable land in prime areas of the city can be better utilised to create integrated and affordable neighbourhoods and provide adequate infrastructure and public facilities. Within the R2 zone, multi-family housing as well as single family row houses are allowed. In addition, complementary commercial and public facilities are allowed as needed. The maximum plot size for a rowhouse is 200m2. The maximum number of stories allowed are four (4) equalling (G+3). One (1) extra floor may be permitted if allowed by topographical conditions. For single family use a density 60-100 DU/Ha is allowed. For mixed-use developments a density of 40-70 DU/Ha is allowed. Figure 19: Example of Housing Typology in R3 (Source: Drawings by NLA, 2023) e) Medium Density Residential - Expansion Zone (R3) The R3 residential zone allows for densification and redevelopment of peri-urban and green field areas and a variety of housing typologies. The zoning is intended to stimulate development of low-cost incremental housing, to facilitate the provision of affordable housing dedicated to the low-income segment of the population. To ensure a mix of use and mix of income, several housing typologies are allowed including self-build to cater for the lowest income segment. The R3 zones are located in peri-urban areas, in close proximity to the proposed transit corridors, hence a minimum development quantum is required. In all R3 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 76 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202598 zones, R2 regulations are permitted. For single use, a density of 60-90 Du/ha is required. For mixed use, a density of 40-70 Du/ha is required. The maximum plot size for single family incremental housing in new subdivision plans is 100m2, and 150m2 for rowhouses. The maximum number of stories allowed are four (4), equalling (G+3). One (1) extra floor may be permitted if allowed by topographical conditions. Figure 20: Example of Housing Typology in R3 (Source: Drawings by NLA, 2023) Note: all proposed typologies in proposed residential zones will have to follow published land use zoning regulations. 4.5.4 Strategies to achieve sustainable housing in Rwamagana District Sustainable housing is a way of designing, building, and operating homes that reduces their environmental impact. It refers to a building which uses efficient energy, water, and materials to reduce the impact on the environment through location, design, construction, operation, maintenance and demolition. This includes design measures such as orientation of the building, natural ventilation, natural daylight intake, external shading, and materials selection, and planning aspects such as mixed use and mixed income developments. Buildings are large consumers of energy. Proper orientation of a building provides opportunities to minimise heat gain and lowers operational costs. Natural ventilation in combination with external shading Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 77 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/202599 (louvres, trees and vegetation) provides a good indoor environment and reduces the need for air conditioning. Natural daylight intake reduces the energy consumption for artificial lighting. Selection of materials plays a big role in energy consumption throughout the lifespan of the building. Locally produced building materials reduce the need for transportation, with impact on both climate and affordability. Local building materials and techniques can also sustain a local or regional building culture. In addition, aspects such as landscaping and permeable paving to allow for natural infiltration, rainwater harvesting, and planting of trees and other vegetation should be considered. Mixed-use and mixed income housing developments and neighbourhoods can contribute to reducing energy consumption through reduced need to travel for work, leisure, or services. Figure 21: Single Residential, showing density comparison between various residential zones Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 78 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025100 4.6 Transportation patterns analysis 4.6.1 Transport vision and policy for Rwanda Under Vision 2050, Rwanda aspires to make “long-term investments in future endowments among them enhanced human capabilities, strong innovation and technological capabilities, socio-economically integrated forms of urbanisation, and effective and accountable institutions of governance”. To achieve these, the National Transportation Policy identifies two Key Lines of action for the sector which are; ◻ Improvement of the external connectivity: how the country relates to the rest of the world. ◻ Improvement of the internal connectivity: how the country makes its assets available to its population and businesses 4.6.2 Transport status 4.6.2.1 Modal Split From the traffic counts conducted for the AM peak period (a 3-hour peak period, 06:00 and 09:00) of the existing 2022 modal split, the following table shows the trip distribution of all three intersections of the traffic count: AM Periods Modal Split No. trips % Motorcycles Buses Cars Heavy Vehicles Pedestrians Bicycle Total 4530 645 1450 356 9875 7565 18.55 2.64 5.9 1.46 40.43 30.97 24421 100 Table 21: Existing AM Peak Period Modal Split As bicycles and motorcycles are used as public transport in Rwanda, it is expected that the trip modal split will be different from the ownership as there can be multiple public transport trips. Also, some of the counts were done on roads entering the city and as such could be through trips to other parts of the country. Others Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 79 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025101 were done on intersections connecting different sectors. Nevertheless, the trip modal split is a good estimation of the trips in the AM peak period to be used in the traffic model. Individual vehicle volumes for the peak period in Rwamagana District: AM Peak Period 06:00-09:00 Direction Mode Intersection North South East West Intersection 1 516 Motorcycles Intersection 2 650 544 Intersection 3 715 Intersection 1 Buses Intersection 2 Intersection 3 Intersection 1 Cars Intersection 2 45 36 92 82 93 510 354 110 120 15 42 285 780 351 96 101 157 98 152 95 Intersection 3 152 263 171 Intersection 1 Heavy Vehicles Intersection 2 Intersection 3 23 58 36 42 63 22 26 36 50 Intersection 1 853 875 109 Pedestrians Intersection 2 1233 850 1233 Intersection 3 2353 1246 1123 Intersection 1 833 Bicycle Intersection 2 857 987 Intersection 3 653 843 855 692 975 870 Table 22: Individual Vehicle volume for Peak Hour Source: Field Study Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 80 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025102 When comparing the 2022 AM peak period with the 2020 RUDP traffic counts, the comparisons were of the Rwamagana count stations 1-3 to determine the variation in the modal split between 2022 and 2020. 4.6.3 Existing conditions of the transport in Rwamagana 4.6.3.1 Road Infrastructure and Network Road infrastructure is in poor condition in terms of quality. This is particularly pertinent in urban and rural areas of Rwamagana District, where roads are one of many constraints to the district development. Additionally, poor infrastructure in the district affects business development, especially in parts of Rwamagana Satellite City. There are 600 roads with a total length of 1,684 km within the whole District. The roads can be classified as follows: 2 paved National Roads (41 km), 3 District Roads Class 1 (80.6 km), and other roads (1,563 km). The road network in Rwamagana Satellite City serves all areas within the city boundary, extending to adjacent communities and beyond connecting the district to the remainder of the country. Rwamagana’s undulating terrain has been one of the factors constraining urban growth and the development of an efficient road network. The following figure shows the full road network (excluding local access roads) in Rwamagana District Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 81 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025103 Map 19: Road Network Infrastructure in Rwamagana District 4.6.3.2 Current Traffic management systems The traffic management system is composed of speed controlling cameras all along the National Road from the City of Kigali to Rwamagana Satellite City and beyond, traffic signs indicating speed limit and direction along the main asphalt road. In addition, some traffic calming methods such as speed humps are found on some roads, especially in areas where there are tight corners and steep gradients. However, these are improperly designed and, in many cases, ill-maintained. The rural Sectors do not have any traffic management system, the quality of the road surface being the sole control for speed. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 82 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025104 4.6.3.3 Parking Status Quo In Rwamagana District, parking is generally haphazard and no proper parking space is available. The parking situation is comparatively more controlled in the urban areas like in the CBD. On-street curb side parking is the most common form of parking with few developments providing adequate parking within their parcels of land. There are currently no known parking provision guidelines to govern the number of parking spaces to be provided for development in the City. It is also common to observe uncontrolled loading and unloading activities, especially in the Market area. 4.6.3.4 Public transport current status Car ownership in Rwanda is low with 1 car per 1,000 population and a modal split of 75% in favour of public transport. The majority of the population walks or takes public transport as means of transport. Coasters and minibuses are the most common form of public transport. They are privately owned by different operators, with centralised schedules that appear daily. There is 1 taxi terminal in the Satellite City serving the whole District. However, the berthing, queuing and ticketing systems in the terminal and stops are hazard. 4.6.3.5 Motorcycle taxi situation Another popular mode of transport is the motorbike taxi which offers a quick and efficient way to travel, especially to rural areas with unpaved roads and steep slopes. These are also managed by various private operators and the fares are loosely regulated. Figure 22: Lack of proper parking for Motors Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 83 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025105 4.6.3.6 Pedestrian and Bicycle activities Although walking is a predominant mode of commuting, there is a general lack of amenities that cater specifically to pedestrians and cyclists, especially designated bicycle lanes or pedestrian paths. Figure 23: Cycling as Transport 4.6.4 Major issues or deficiencies and gaps The status and standard of the existing road network in the district varies. There are insufficient and irregular carriageway widths, especially on roads within the Sectors, earth roads with poor riding quality, pavements (mostly earthen) in poor to fair condition and structurally inadequate, poor horizontal and vertical alignment at many locations, insufficient and improper cross slopes, lack of side drains and absence of box culverts causing discontinuity of the road and causing inconvenience to pedestrians. These deficiencies and gaps found were noted during the regular site visits: 1. Insufficient and irregular carriageway width. The carriageway widths vary substantially, from surfaced formal carriageways to very irregular narrow gravel roads. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 84 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025106 Figure 24: Road Under Construction Falcon/Gishari flower 2. Existing gravel roads with poor riding quality. Existing pavement (mostly earthen) condition is poor to bad and is structurally inadequate. The gravel roads are in a poor-quality condition, with rutting and potholes from stormwater runoff being a large concern 3. Poor horizontal alignment at many locations. 4. Poor vertical alignment at many locations. 5. Insufficient and improper cross slope. This was noted mostly on the gravel/ earthen roads and has resulted in the drainage issues on the roads especially being erosion concerns. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 85 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025107 Figure 25:Condition of Road During Rainy Season 6. Traffic congestion and insufficient turning radius at intersections. This was observed at the traffic counting locations and was mainly as a result of NMT and vehicular interaction. 7. Absence of cross drainage structures causing discontinuity of the road and causing inconvenience to pedestrians. It is also an accident-prone zone. 8. Absence of proper cross drainage arrangements to facilitate storm water drainage along cross roads. 9. Absence of proper cross drainage arrangements for continuation of roadside drains. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 86 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025108 Figure 26: Using of Local Materials to form culverts 10. Encroachment into the road reserve (mainly the portion just by the side of carriageway) by local people for household purposes almost at all built-up areas. 11. Absence of proper roadside drains. This occurs mainly along the earthen/ gravel roads and has created major storm water runoff issues. 12. Absence of proper road signs, pavement markings, safety features and street lighting. 13. Absence of high mast lighting in market area. 14. Absence of slope protection work at cut sections. 15. Lack of all-weather NMT facilities 4.6.5 Existing Project Proposals and Implementation Phasing The proposals are based, firstly, on correcting the deficiencies observed on different existing roads by either upgrading the riding quality or adopting a new geometric design. Secondly, the proposed roads were selected for their major role in the development of the transport network connectivity, traffic management, pavement conditions and drainage. Lastly, existing roads were compared to the proposed roads, both at District and RTDA levels. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 87 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025109 4.6.6 Water transport Rwanda is a land-locked and mountainous country, and its transportation system focuses on land infrastructure. Although Rwanda has many lakes and rivers, which might attract both the transport of passengers and goods, there are no significant inland waterway services except the very limited waterway operations on Lake Kivu. Lake Kivu, forming the border with DRC, operates occasional boat services from Rusizi, Karongi and Rubavu Districts but not on a regular timetable and often have to be chartered. In Lake Muhazi, there are also small boats usually in dugout canoes or hand-crafted boats used to ferry people to some of the islands in the lake. Figure 27: Docked Boat waiting to Transport people and goods to Gatsibo District In the case of Rwamagana District, the two lakes Muhazi and Mugesera have been used to ferry goods and people to the neighbouring Districts and mostly for sports and tourism purposes. There is an urgent need to improve the existing facilities (small jetties and ports) in order to improve on the current traffic demand. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 88 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025110 Figure 28: Ferry Services at Lake Mugesera 4.6.7 Railway transport Currently, there are no existing railway services within Rwanda. However, the Rwanda Transport Development Agency is working to establish a railway transport network in Rwanda which will connect to the Northern and Central Corridors. The Government of Rwanda is committed to developing the railway transport system to boost the socio- economic development and welfare of its citizens and as a way to cut down transport costs. A passenger terminal is planned to be built in Ndera, approximately 20 km east of Kigali City center. A cargo terminal will be built in Masaka, 17 km south-east of Kigali, with plans to extend into Bugesera International Airport which is currently under construction. A total length of 505 km of standard gauge railway network is proposed to be constructed, i.e. a 125 km western line, a 300 km eastern Line, and a 80 km upper-central line. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 89 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025111 Map 20: Railway route has been surveyed and marked 4.6.8 Land use and transportation Understanding the relationship between land use and transportation is important to design a prosperous and safe transportation network for Rwamagana District. Land use and transportation are interdependent. Effective utilisation of land stimulates urban activities, and roads and other transportation facilities are maintained so as to allow for new transportation-related activity. Creating new roads or expanding existing ones increases the attractiveness of the land they pass through, promoting urban development. When cities are growing slowly, it is easy for land utilisation and traffic planning to align. In times of rapid urban growth, demand for land accelerates and development of transportation facilities may lack behind. Many cities experiencing a high degree of urban and economic growth will therefore experience heavy traffic congestion and other transportation related problems. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 90 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025112 A fundamental approach to mitigating traffic congestion is promoting optimal land use. For example, when transportation facilities are poor, the floor area ratio can be kept low. The ratio can be increased according to the progress of transportation infrastructure development. Efforts can thus be made to achieve a balance. Long-term sustainability should also be considered by altering the urban structure. For example, transportation demands that are concentrated in downtown areas can be dispersed to city sub-centres and core cities, thereby relieving congestion and promoting development of a more balanced city overall. A main approach to mitigate traffic congestion in cities is to promote public transport, thus minimising the use of private cars, as well as provide safe and attractive infrastructure for walking and cycling (NMT). Figure 29: Relationship between Land use planning and Transportation Land use planning plays a pivotal role in the transport network plan. To understand the need for transport, the land use must be clearly understood. This is then understood through the 2050 Vision, population growth, economic transformation, employment distribution and city zoning. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 91 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025113 Figure 30:Interaction between various elements and transport Land use models are generally concerned about the factors generating economic activities, which are correlated with transportation requirements. For instance, by using a set of economic activity variables, such as population and level of consumption it becomes possible to calculate the generation and attraction of passengers and freight Spatial interactions models are mostly concerned about the spatial distribution of movements, a function of land use (demand) and transportation infrastructure (supply). They produce movement estimates between spatial entities, symbolised by origin-destination pairs, which can be disaggregated by nature, mode and time of the day. Transportation network models are trying to evaluate how movements are distributed over a transportation network, often of several modes, notably private and public transportation. They provide traffic estimates for any given segment of a transportation network. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 92 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025114 4.6.9 Road classification According to the road act in Rwanda, it is imperative that country wide the same road classification and standards are used to ensure uniformity and to ensure developmental particulars for various road types and standards and enforced throughout Rwanda. Moreover, if the Satellite Cities such as Rwamagana are to be expanded and supplement the City of Kigali, the design standards need to be similar. The Rwandan government has published Official Gazette No. 04 of 23/01/2012 to establish the law governing the roads in Rwanda. The Official gazette states that public road networks shall comprise of the following classifications: ● National roads: National roads shall be those comprising the following categories: o International roads that link Rwanda with neighbouring countries; o Roads that link Districts or that link a District and the City of Kigali; o Roads that link areas of tourism significance and facilities of national or international importance, such as ports and airports. ● Districts and City of Kigali roads and that of other urban areas – Class 1 o Class 1 shall be roads linking different Sectors headquarters within the same District, or those roads that are used within the same Sector. ● Districts and City of Kigali roads and that of other urban areas - Class 2 o Districts and City of Kigali roads and that of other urban areas - Class 2 shall be arterial roads that connect Districts roads to rural community centres that are inhabited as an agglomeration. ● Specific roads o Specific roads shall be those specifically constructed to connect national roads or o District roads to Kigali City and other urban areas to the centres for private sector activities such agricultural production, natural resources processing or to tourist sites. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 93 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025115 The law also specifies right-of-way, road reserves, minimum carriage ways etc. The Rwandan government has published a Special Official Gazette of 03/12/2015 to establish the law governing the road reserves in Rwanda. The road reserve includes embankments, edge areas, bollards, road lighting facilities, storm water drainage facilities, grassy strips, central median strips, hard and soft shoulders, fills, walls, stairs, bridges, tunnels, technological and artistic works, road signs and other elements related to road. Road Class National roads Districts and City of Kigali roads and that of other urban areas – Class 1 Full road Reserve (m) 44 44 Districts and City of Kigali roads and that 24 of other urban areas – Class 2 Servicing and access roads Other roads 12 9 Table 23: Roads Classes and minimum width Rwanda has further developed an urban planning manual called the Urban Planning Code (UPC). This manual characterises design principles and guidelines for all urban areas within the country, including the classification and geometric requirements of the road and transport networks within the country. Chapter 3, Inner-Urban Transport and Traffic Management, contains the definitions and regulatory specifications of the classification of the types of roads in the country. From the same chapter 3 of UPC, the inner-urban and inner-settlement roads shall have the following naming and hierarchy: 1. Primary distributor road; 2. Secondary distributor road; 3. Local distributor road; 4. Access road. Primary distributor roads shall be used in planning to form the primary network within an urban area Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 94 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025116 and distribute traffic between central and nodal business districts. Secondary distributor roads shall be used in planning to distribute the traffic between different neighbourhood areas and land use zones of an urban or human settlement area and link to the primary access network. Local distributor roads shall be used in planning to distribute the traffic within different neighbourhood areas and land use zones and link to the secondary access network. There may be major and minor local distributor roads depending on the volume of traffic generated within the area, and on the types of vehicles allowed. Access roads shall be used in planning to link individual plots, buildings and open spaces to a local distributor road. Access roads in housing areas and shopping centres are termed streets and are further classified into primary and secondary streets. They may be cul-de-sacs or loops. These four types of roads have very different geometric design and land requirements. The major factors affecting the parameters are: ● Carriageway; ● Pedestrian pathway; ● Cycle track; ● Two-wheel vehicle drive; ● Drainage; ● On street parking; ● Row of trees; ● Hard Shoulder; ● Verge, with or without planting reserve and marginal strip; ● Central reserve and traffic island; ● Service road. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 95 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025117 4.6.10 Public transport Public transport is the main mode of transport in Rwamagana District. The current modal split between public transport and private cars is about 75:25. This is mainly due to low car ownership, reliance on public transport is not by choice, but mainly due to the affordability of owning a car. With the economic growth that will bring about new wealth to the people, it is anticipated that car ownership will escalate in the future as it is the common aspiration of the people in Rwanda to own a car. The increase in car ownership and car usage is expected to put a strain on the road network in the future, if left unchecked. This will also put a strain on the government in getting funding to add more road space and construct new roads to cater to the ever-increasing car population on the road. To achieve this objective, the following strategies are adopted in the planning of public transport in the City and the whole District: ● Develop an integrated and cost-effective public transport system offering regional and local connectivity. ● Develop bus interchanges within townships which offer regional and local connectivity. ● Increase the carrying capacity of public buses by phasing out minibus taxis and introducing buses with higher capacity such as the long buses or articulated buses. ● Create dedicated bus lanes along major roads to ensure smooth flowing of buses. 4.6.10.1 Integrated Public Transport Plan Based on the policy documentation, the integration, universal accessibility, mobility, accessibility, reliability, safety and security and having an adequate level of service forms the basic principles for the country's public transport system. This then evolved into the policy for integrated urban transport, which focuses on the following principles: ● Create a range of housing opportunities and choices; ● Create walkable neighbourhoods and give pedestrians the highest priority; ● Provide facilities for NMT; Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 96 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025118 ● Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration; ● Foster distinctive, attractive places with a strong sense of place; ● Make development decisions predictable, fair and cost-Effective; ● Mix of land uses; ● Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty and critical environmental areas; ● Provide a variety of transportation choices; ● Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities; ● Take advantage of compact building design; and ● Adopt an integrated demand and supply management approach for transport system development To ensure integration of the system, the NMT network policy, parking management policy, environmental sustainability policy, and transport safety policy are required to be enforced and adhered to. One of the major considerations to improve connectivity, especially in developing nations, is to design for a sustainable NMT network. The Rwandan policy on the NMT network has the following principle policy considerations: ● Integrate NMT into the transport system including transport and spatial planning; ● Endorse and facilitate the use of NMT modes; ● Develop infrastructure and maintenance standards that recognise NMT as an essential mode of transport; ● Enhance and enact traffic legislation that recognises NMT as an alternative transport mode, facilitate NMT as a feeder system to other modes of transport; ● Empower the marginalised group promotion of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) through NMT; ● Allocate adequate and sustainable funding for promotion and development of NMT; Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 97 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025119 ● Promote NMT as reliable, healthy, affordable, accessible and safe transport mode; ● Reduce both the number and severity of traffic accidents for vulnerable non-motorised road users; and ● Facilitate research and new initiatives to improve NMT performance. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 98 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025120 In Rwamagana District, public transport is a mixture of road-based and inland water-based transport, with road based-transport being the predominant public transport. Furthermore, public transport is the main mode of motorised transport, while NMT is the main mode of transport. As a result, to improve accessibility, planning for neighbourhood-level public facilities is needed to ensure integration at this level, which will form the basis of an integrated public transport system. This then results in networks being formulated within neighbourhoods connecting various zones and hubs through the use of public transport 4.6.10.2 Public Transport Network The idea is to transform a traditional public transport system consisting mainly, or entirely, of low-quality routes, into an integrated network of high-quality services. The existing bus routes are between Kigali City and Rwamagana, Rwamagana and Kayonza, Ngoma, Kirehe and between Rwamagana, Kayonza, Gatsibo and Nyagatare. The routes for motorbikes and smaller vehicles are more sporadic and respond to customer’s needs. To improve the public transport network in Rwamagana, more all-weather road coverage must be constructed. Additionally, formalised routes should be implemented and established within the city and not just intercity. Collection points and bus bays should be formalised and additional terminals and transit corridors should be implemented. This must be done with the proposed master plan zoning projects. As a result, it is recommended that to improve the public transport network: ● All weather roads are constructed along identified arterials and collectors to allow for additional transit corridors. ● Formalised routes with embayment and loading facilities are established along major arterials. ● Stops are positioned as the maximum walking distance for the public that does not exceed 500 m walking distances where possible. ● Additional terminals to be investigated and constructed. Moreover, new transit hubs should be proposed and should have the following components to realise the long-term goal to achieve at least a 70% modal split in favour of public transportation: ● Walkable design with pedestrians as the highest priority. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 99 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025121 ● Bus terminals as the prominent features at the fringes of the urban centre. ● A regional node containing a mixture of land uses in close proximity, including offices, residential, retail and civic uses. ● High-density, high-quality development within a 10-minute walking radius surrounding the terminal. ● Designed to include the easy use of bicycles, and motorcycles as alternative daily-use transport modes. ● Reduced and managed parking within a 10-minute walking radius of the terminal. Figure 31: Rwamagana Taxi Park 4.6.11 Green transport Plan Green transport can be described as a transportation system that has no significant adverse impact on the environment. This is a category of sustainable transport that utilises human power, public transportation, smart design, and renewable energy in order to achieve reduction of detrimental environmental impact of transportation activities (Yulin and Zhenyu, 2010; Ethical energy, 2014). The hierarchy of a green transportation network prioritises walking and cycling, with private cars being the least priority. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 100 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025122 Figure 32: Hierarchy of Green Transport (Bradshaw, 2009) Rwamagana District, similar to other parts of Rwanda, enjoys cool climate throughout the year which is very conducive for walking and cycling. At present, walking and cycling are already an important mode of transport for short-distance travel within the urban and rural areas in the district. In the present global trend towards sustainable developments, green transport which includes walking and cycling will be promoted in the development of Rwamagana District. To encourage people to continue to cycle and walk for short distance travel, it is important to create a conducive environment for walking and cycling within the district. To this end, the following strategies are adopted in the master plan: ● Develop a green connector network linking all green areas, through NMT within the district supporting the public transport system; ● Provide dedicated pedestrian walkways and cycling paths along roads as well as neighbourhoods and housing estates ● Develop a pleasant streetscape especially along the NMT network. ● Develop a well-connected NMT network that utilises open spaces and the road network. ● Develop a Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) network along arterial and collector roads. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 101 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025123 4.6.12 Non-Motorised Transport Network Green transport network strategies include the provision of NMT infrastructure. This strategy should support the public transport systems, but also provide an independent transport system that is comfortable and safe to encourage walking and cycling within the City and selected town centres. The NMT strategy must be rolled out to ensure that all collector and arterial roads should have NMT facilities. Areas in proximity to schools, hospitals, public facilities, and the CBD must be the first priority and this must be rolled out throughout the district. It is recommended that to improve the all-weather roads accessibility, NMT infrastructure should be implemented to allow for proper access. The NMT routes should be implemented on the roads as per the cross section below depending on available space. 4.6.13 Typical cross sections Based on the ground survey, the road act as well as traffic analysis and projection, a number of road sections have been proposed to steer land use into compatibility with green transportation, integrating each mode of transport. Figure 33: Typical Section for 24m road (GISTECH ltd) Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 102 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025124 Figure 34: Typical Section for 44m road (GISTECH ltd 4.6.14 Green Transport Promotion Strategies For developing countries, it is expected with an increase in wealth, that there could be a mode shift from NMT to motorised transport. In order to ensure Rwamagana District has a sustainable transport system, the existing culture of walking and cycling as a form of transport needs to be maintained and further encouraged. Some techniques in order to do this are: ● Promotion of public health campaigns encouraging walking and cycling. ● Provision of signage/wayfinding. ● Improvements to pedestrian access and quality (e.g. safe crossings, tactile paving, dropped kerbs, lighting). ● Ensure NMT priority at intersections. ● Provision of appropriate numbers, type and location of cycle parking facilities (e.g. covered and secure). ● Provision of cycle tracks or dedicated segregated infrastructure, where appropriate. ● Regular cycling promotion days. ● Promotion of cycle superhighways. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 103 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025125 Figure 35: Best Adopted NMT relationship 4.6.14.1 Walkability Pedestrian friendly street design, such as active facades, windows and entrances off the street for a sense of security, trees and greenery, street lighting and reduced traffic speeds, encourages walking. In addition, cities and settlements should be dense, mixed and inclusive to allow for maximum walkability and connectivity. 4.6.14.2 Connectivity An interconnected street grid network disperses traffic and eases walking, as well as establishes a hierarchy of streets for wayfinding, sense of character and scale. 4.6.14.3 Freight network∙ The freight commodities in the survey were divided into 5 categories, namely: ● Agriculture products ● Building materials ● Foodstuff ● Household Goods Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 104 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025126 ● Mining products 4.6.14.4 Trip Distribution Trip distribution is where the origin-destination pattern of travel is determined. The logic behind trip distribution is that a person is more likely to travel to a nearby transport zone with a high level of activity (such as employment, shopping or recreation) than to a more distant zone with a low level of activity. To establish the trip distribution, the gravity model was applied for each trip purpose and income combination, using the parameters determined during the calibration process. The gravity model takes the trips produced at one particular zone and distributes them to other zones based on the size of the other zones (as measured by their activity or trip attractions) and on the basis of some impedance to travel between zones. Thus, the number of trips between zones is usually related to the degree of land use and activity within each zone and the ease of travel between them. Impedance can be measured in several ways. The simplest way is to use either actual travel distance (km) or travel times (minutes) between zones as the measurement of ‘impedance’. Alternatively, by ascribing a value of time and a vehicle operating cost rate to travel time and travel distance respectively, together with any tolls paid, a ‘generalised cost of travel can be used as the ‘impedance’. It is necessary that the gravity models or destination choice models should be applied to the network costs representing the effects on future travel patterns. An approach assuming that the base year travel patterns do not change in the future is unlikely to be realistic. It is usual to have a separate gravity model developed for each trip purpose, since different trip purposes exhibit different trip distribution characteristics. The outcome of the trip distribution step is a matrix of trips from each transport zone to all other transport zones. 4.6.15 Transportation Master Plan for Rwamagana District To support the future growth in Rwamagana District, an overall concept and detailed transportation plan was developed including proposed road network, parking provision standards, public transport, pedestrian and bicycle networks. It also guides on investments needed, phasing, and implemented. In addition, it captures some of the ongoing and planned projects within the transport sector. ● Proposed road network ● Proposed cross sections Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 105 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025127 ● Parking provision ● Public transport ● Pedestrian and bicycle networks ● Modal Development Morning peak hour was modelled as this is expected to show the worst-case traffic conditions, trip generation was estimated using the existing and projected population information and trip distribution was determined using the existing and planned land-use and employment data. Mode split was taken from traffic count data, taken on various points within Rwamagana District, neighbouring Districts as well as Kigali City, and different private car mode share assumptions were investigated. Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 106 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025128 The demand strata in the vehicle demand model included private vehicles, moto-taxis and heavy vehicles (buses and trucks). Public transport person trip demand was not included in the Road Network model. Map 21: Road Hierarchy Plan for Rwamagana District 4.7 Public facilities and services Public facilities as combined in land use zoning entail:  Educational and Research Facilities  Healthcare and wellness,    Sports, Leisure and Recreation Culture and Heritage Community Services-Cemetery and Crematorium Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 107 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025129 Accessibility to these community services makes any area conveniently liveable, active and vibrant. The planning guide for these services are found in the MINISTERIAL ORDER N° 04/Cab.M/015 OF 18/05/2015 DETERMINING URBAN PLANNING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS, which provides for distance and catchment population for each facility. The NLUDMP 2020-2050 recommends that any new proposal should be an overlay to other land uses, e.g. residential and commercial, except Cemetery and Crematorium. The scale of provision of these facilities are determined by population projections, land requirements and area requirements as per NLUDMP 2020-2050. The percentage of school children has been projected assuming similar trends as in the 2022 census. These demands are likely to increase as a consequence of a broader distribution of wealth, more leisure time, higher standards of education and greater public awareness of the importance of improving quality of urban life. All proposals for provision of community facilities are based on growth projections of the population as well as the proposed densities. in order to develop sustainable community facilities existing conditions, areas envisaged for expansion and extension, and special considerations were considered while at the same time maintaining the government decentralisation policy of bringing services closer to the people. 4.7.1 Education and research facilities 4.7.1.1 Current situation In 2018/2019, the promotion rate in primary school was 79%, the repetition rate in primary school was 13% while the dropout rate in primary school was 8%. In secondary school the promotion rate was 80%, the repetition rate 6%, and the dropout rate was 14.5%. The literacy rate for persons aged 15 years and older is 3%, which is below the national average of 5.3% (Rwamagana DDP; 2013-2018). According to RPHC5, 2022, in Rwamagana District, the school attendance rate for pre-primary school was 50.2%, primary school attendance rate was 89.9%, and secondary school attendance rate was 72.8%. The total number of students (primary, secondary and TVETs) was 132,114 which equals almost 27.2 % of the total population. The number of teachers was 3,322 which means 1 teacher per 40 pupils on average. The number of classrooms was 2,553 equalling 52 students per classroom, which is high compared to the NLUDMP 2020-2050 target of 35 pupils/class. (2022/2023 Education Statistical Yearbook, Ministry of Education, Rwanda). There are 108 schools with pre-primary level, 111 schools with primary level, 72 schools with general and Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 108 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025130 professional secondary level, 16 schools with TVET L1-L5, 3 high education campuses (University of Rwanda, IPRC Gishari and UNILAC) and 163 adult literacy centers, as per 2022/2023 Education Statistical Yearbook, Ministry of Education, Rwanda. The pre-primary schools (Early Childhood Development) are spatially distributed in individuals’ households and village kitchens. Despite availability of educational infrastructures some of the classrooms are in poor condition and should be rehabilitated 4.7.1.2 Planning perspectives The government’s aspirations to reach high income status by 2050 will require dramatic improvements in both the amount of and the quality of human capital. Economies that have grown rapidly over an extended period have made substantial investments in the health and education of their citizens (World Bank, 2020). Investments in human capital is a long-term investment, as only a small part of the population enters the labor force each year. The sooner investments in human capital are made, the sooner Rwanda will achieve increased growth. 1) NLUDMP 2020-2050 recommendations in education sector a) Nursery and primary education According to NLUDMP 2020-2050, the following standards and parameters have been established for nursery and primary schools. ❖ Average class size: 35 pupils/class ❖ Average no. of students/school: 840 pupils ❖ Required plot size for a nursery school: 0.5 ha ❖ Required plot size for a primary school: 1 ha b) Secondary, Vocational and Technical Education by 2050 According to NLUDMP 2020-2050, the following standards and parameters have been established for secondary education. ❖ Enrolment rate will be 90% ❖ Average class size: 35 pupils/class; Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 109 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025131 ❖ Average no. of students/school: 840 pupils ❖ Required plot size for a secondary school: 1,5 ha ❖ Required plot size for vocational and technical school: 2 ha 2) Proposed Schools and Planning Perspectives In the preparation of Rwamagana DLUP 2023-2050, there will be an increase of students with direct impact on the existing schools. There is an urgent need for new classrooms for nursery, primary and secondary schools. Jointly, both public sector, NGOs and private sectors must respond to this demand. As per RPHC5, the percentage of children of school age in Rwamagana District is as a standard at District level. Thus, 8% are in pre-primary, 15 % in primary, and 14 % in secondary school. By applying these percentages to the total population year by year, and considering the standard of 840 children/school, 24 classrooms per school and 35 children per classroom, the number of schools and classrooms required to accommodate future children, and to implement the Education for all policy, is calculated. The table shows detailed figures. Description Total Population Nursery (3-5) years old Existing Classrooms Classrooms to be constructed for each planning period Total number of classrooms at the end of each planning period Total classrooms to be constructed (Cumulatively) Description Total Population Primary (6-11) years old Existing Classrooms Classrooms to be constructed for each planning period Total number of classrooms at the end of each planning period Nursery education 2030 615,895 47,133 - 2022 484,953 37,112 309 2035 715,132 54,727 - 2050 2040 2045 830,358 964,150 1,119,500 73,784 63,545 - - 85,672 - 751 287 217 252 292 340 1,060 1,347 1,564 1,816 2,108 2,448 751 1,038 1,255 1,507 1,799 2,139 Primary Education 2030 615,895 90,107 - 2022 484,953 70,950 1,680 2035 715,132 104,626 - 2040 2050 2045 830,358 964,150 1,119,500 163,786 121,484 141,058 - - - 347 547 415 482 559 650 2,027 2,574 2,989 3,471 4,030 4,680 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 110 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025132 Total classrooms to be constructed (Cumulatively) Description Total Population Secondary (12-17) years old Existing General education Classrooms Existing TVET Classrooms Classrooms to be constructed for each planning period Total number of classrooms at the end of each planning period Total classrooms to be constructed (Cumulatively) Required TVET classrooms to be constructed cumulatively (60%) Required General Secondary classrooms to be constructed cumulatively (40%) 347 894 1309 1791 2350 3000 Secondary Education 2030 615,895 83,896 2022 484,953 66,059 2035 715,132 97,413 2040 2045 830,358 964,150 1,119,500 152,495 113,109 131,334 2050 756 117 - - - - - - - - - - 1,014 510 386 449 520 605 1,887 2,397 2,783 3,232 3,752 4,357 1,014 1,524 1,910 2,359 2,879 3,484 608 914 1146 1415 1727 2090 406 610 764 944 1152 1394 Table 24: Education facilities projection from 2022 up to 205 Rwamagana District Land Use Plan 2023-2050 111 Official Gazette n° 31 Bis of 04/08/2025133 4.7.1.3 Guiding legal framework 1. LAW N° 010/2021 OF 16/02/2021 DETERMINING THE ORGANISATION OF EDUCATION deals with operations in the schools including opening, closing 2. Ministerial Instructions 002/MINEDUC/2022 of 13/08/2022 Determining Modalities for Expansion of Pre-Primary Education in Rwanda especially article 4 starting the number of pupils in a classroom, mode of construction of the facility. It also considers the sanitation question, its safety and inclusivity.