Rwanda: Wetland restoration effort transforms floodplains into eco-parks

Rwanda: Wetland restoration effort transforms floodplains into eco-parks

Since March last year, Kigali's approximately 491 hectares of wetlands have been fundamentally transformed as part of the Kigali Wetlands Restoration Project, an initiative aimed at reshaping the city's landscape, promoting environmental protection and improving the quality of life of residents.

According to Fred Bugingo, managing director of Real Constructor, the Rwandan construction company is rehabilitating four of the five wetlands in the heart of the city.

The work is 75 percent complete so far and the entire project is expected to be completed by April 2026.

ALSO READ: Kigali wetlands to be transformed to cover 58km of trails, lakes and green spaces

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Real Constructor Ltd and NPD Ltd have been contracted in a joint venture to restore key wetlands, including the Gikondo Wetland (162ha) covering parts of Remera, Kimihurura and Gatenga and adjoining the Rugenge-Rwintare Wetland (65ha) covering the Kacyiru, Muhima and Kinamba areas.

The sites include the Kibumba Wetland (formerly UTEXRWA) (68 ha) linking the Kinyinya and Gisozi sectors, and the Nyabugogo Wetland (131 ha) linking Muhima and Gatsata.

The main goal of restoring these wetlands goes beyond flood protection in the surrounding areas. The focus is also on ensuring that the water flowing into the newly created 10-hectare artificial lake, the final disposal point, is clean and safe for the ecosystem.

ALSO READ:From ponds to playgrounds: What awaits Kigali's revamped wetlands?

After a recent media tour of the locations, The new times breaks down how the restored wetlands will benefit surrounding communities, from creating jobs and enabling business activities to boosting tourism and positioning Kigali as a greener, safer and more attractive destination for residents and visitors.

How water is filtered in Kigali's restored wetlands

The four wetlands will be rehabilitated where water exits the city's drainage canals. The water then flows downhill and gradually slows down as it approaches the final filtration stage in Nyabugogo, then enters the artificial lake near Kwa Mutanga and later flows further into the Nyabugogo river system.

Each wetland was designed with five core stages for water filtration and flood protection. The first point is the sediment traps (garbage traps), into which water enters directly from the city's drainage channels.

These traps are made of mesh and solid barriers that catch plastic bags and other physical waste. This phase plays a crucial role in removing solid contaminants early and improving hygiene before the water goes deeper into the system.

ALSO READ: How once-degraded wetlands are transforming into urban recreational spaces

From the garbage catchers, water flows into the permanent wetland zones, which are natural filter areas densely planted with rushes (reeds) and cordgrass. These plants purify water by absorbing pollutants and providing biological purification.

This zone forms the basis of the wetland's green filtration system, which gradually removes pollutants through natural ecological processes.

To prevent flooding and regulate water pressure, weirs are built in the permanent wetlands. These small engineered barriers temporarily retain water and distribute it evenly across vegetation, reducing water velocity and minimizing the risk of overflow into nearby neighborhoods.

The water passes through three successive weir-controlled sections, each performing the same function of flow control and enhanced filtration, before flowing forward.

The next stage consists of spillways and ponds, where excess water is diverted into specially created ponds. In the Kibumba wetland, for example, the water splits into two pathways: one feeds the fish farming ponds, providing a controlled water supply for economic activities, while the other flows into aesthetic ponds that act as retention basins, further slowing the water while trapping remaining visible waste.

READ ALSO: Kigali’s inventive approach to five degraded wetlands

As one pond fills, water overflows into the next, providing even pressure control while allowing for additional natural filtration cycles.

The final stage includes dikes and meanders that allow for the longest and most controlled filtering process in front of the artificial lake. The dikes hold back the water longer than the weirs in order to ensure stricter regulation in times of high water flow.

From here, the water flows into a zigzag channel known as a meander, lined with stones that act as additional filter barriers to remove deeper contaminants. After passing through long grass beds, the final natural purification point, the filtered water enters the 10-hectare artificial lake, marking the end of the filter cycle.

A total of 220,500 residents will benefit from the wetlands

The design of the restored wetlands is expected to avoid severe flooding that once affected surrounding communities. According to Rene Rukundo Munana, the construction manager for the Nyabugogo and Kibumba wetlands, a total of 220,500 residents will directly benefit from the reduced flood risks.

To date, the project has created 5,917 jobs, including 2,893 women. More than 12,000 people are expected to be employed by the time construction is completed.

READ ALSO: Rwanda secures $15 million to rehabilitate 400 hectares of wetlands in Kigali

The project has also taken into account groups whose livelihoods have previously relied on wetland agriculture. Beyond job creation, playgrounds and community sports facilities are planned in the Kibumba and Gikondo wetlands to promote public engagement through sport. Facilities to be constructed include football, basketball, tennis and handball courts.

Additionally, more than 6,000 trees will be planted along streams and around ponds as part of Kigali's broader ecological restoration plan.

The recovery will inspire Kigali residents to embrace the tourism culture

Each wetland has been equipped with unique recreational facilities designed to attract tourism. It is predicted that the restored wetlands will replicate several aspects of green environmental structure and attractiveness.

A total of 61.5 kilometers of walking and cycling paths will be built to promote environmentally friendly mobility and provide the public with better access to nature.

Rukundo explained that there are activities worth experiencing in every location. He said the Kibumba Wetlands would feature fish ponds, complemented by a large botanical garden designed for public events such as weddings, community gatherings and cultural celebrations.

The site will also include restaurants, large gardens for hosting events and commercial space.

A designated park area will be established at Nyabugogo Wetland, adjacent to the artificial lake, to enhance the visitor experience and address one of Kigali's biggest urban challenges.