Ngaruyinka: Green City Kigali Project Moves Closer to Construction Phase
Map showing the Kigali Green City Project in Kinyinya Hill of Gasabo District
KIGALI — For residents of Ngaruyinka in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District, who have spent years wondering when the promised transformation under the Green City Kigali initiative would become visible on the ground, a new procurement document signals that the project is moving closer to implementation.
The Rwanda Green Fund (RGF) has issued a Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) seeking a consulting firm to supervise construction works under the Ngaruyinka Upgrade Project. The planned works will include climate-resilient roads, stormwater management infrastructure and solar-powered street lighting.
The development is part of the wider Green City Kigali programme, for which the Government of Rwanda secured funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The project is designed to promote climate-resilient and low-emission urban development while improving sustainable urban services and strengthening climate-responsive planning.
Nearly 8 kilometres of roads planned
According to the tender documents, the planned construction package will cover approximately 8 kilometres of climate-resilient transport infrastructure, alongside public-realm improvements, stormwater management infrastructure and Non-Motorized Transport facilities.
The project will also include the installation and commissioning of solar street lighting and other outdoor solar lighting systems. The construction phase is estimated to take 18 months, followed by another 18-month Defects Liability Period.
For Ngaruyinka residents, the planned infrastructure could address some of the practical challenges associated with mobility, drainage and public safety while contributing to the transformation of the neighbourhood.
A project designed to tackle flooding and climate risks
The Ngaruyinka Upgrade Project goes beyond conventional road construction.
The project documents place strong emphasis on climate resilience, particularly measures designed to reduce exposure to flooding and heat stress. Stormwater infrastructure will incorporate climate-resilient approaches, including flood-mitigation measures and nature-based solutions where appropriate.
The project will also integrate environmental and climate considerations into construction, including monitoring greenhouse-gas emissions, promoting low-carbon construction practices and improving the efficiency of infrastructure systems.
Infrastructure designed for wider access
The planned development is also expected to pay attention to accessibility and inclusion.
The supervision requirements specifically call for infrastructure that responds to the needs of different users, including women, children, young people, older persons and people with disabilities.
The project will also require mechanisms through which local communities can raise concerns and participate in engagement processes during implementation.
Construction has not yet started
While the procurement represents an important step forward, the document does not indicate that construction has already begun or that a construction contractor has been selected.
The current procurement is for a consultant to supervise the works. The selected consultant will act as the Engineer on behalf of the procuring entity, overseeing construction, quality control, contract administration, environmental and social safeguards, testing and commissioning.
The procurement notice says interested firms must submit their expressions of interest through Rwanda’s e-procurement system, with the deadline and opening time indicated on the system.
What this means for Ngaruyinka residents
For residents who have been asking when the Green City Kigali vision would translate into visible infrastructure in their neighbourhood, the latest development provides a significant indication that the Ngaruyinka Upgrade Project is progressing toward physical implementation.
The planned package is substantial: roads, drainage and flood-management infrastructure, pedestrian and non-motorized transport facilities, public spaces and solar street lighting.
However, the next critical steps will be the selection of the supervision consultant, subsequent procurement and contracting for the construction works, and ultimately the mobilisation of contractors to the site.
The Ngaruyinka project is therefore entering a stage where residents will be watching closely to see when plans and procurement documents begin turning into roads, drainage systems, lighting and other infrastructure on the ground.
TOP AFRICA NEWS will continue following the Ngaruyinka Upgrade Project and its impact on residents of Kinyinya.
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