Rwanda: Govt to Enforce New Eco-Friendly Rules for Settlement Planning

16 October 2025
The New Times (Kigali)
By Michel Nkurunziza

The National Land Authority (NLA) has issued new rules promoting environmental protection and climate resilience in the development of new settlement sites across the country..

The directive provides detailed guidance on preparing and implementing site development plans that prioritise green spaces, proper drainage, and disaster risk management.

Also read: Govt issues new guidelines to reduce informal settlements

Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines

According to the NLA, the framework seeks to ensure that new residential areas are designed to balance human settlement needs with sustainability and safety.

"Planning and design should foster belonging, strengthen social inclusion, and generate environmental benefits," the guidelines state.

Green and recreational spaces

All new settlement plans must include accessible green and recreational areas, such as community parks, playgrounds, and walking paths. The aim is to promote physical activity, social interaction, and environmental well-being.

Also read: Govt unveils budget plans to transform Kigali's informal settlements

Disaster risk management

Developers are required to protect steep slopes, wetlands, and areas prone to floods or landslides to prevent environmental degradation and loss of life.

Tree planting and rainwater harvesting

The rules call for tree planting along roads and boundaries to enhance greenery, while all developments must include rainwater harvesting systems to manage runoff and reduce flooding.

ALSO READ: Inside Kigali's plan to reduce informal settlements to 20%

Waste management

Effective waste disposal and recycling systems are now mandatory to maintain cleanliness and support sustainable living in urban and rural settlements.

Cultural and ecological heritage

Sites of historical, cultural, or ecological significance must be safeguarded and incorporated into settlement plans to preserve community identity and biodiversity.

Sustainable mobility

The guidelines encourage well-connected road networks and non-motorised transport routes, including pedestrian and cycling paths, to ease movement and curb emissions.

The NLA said each district and the City of Kigali will establish a Physical Planning Technical Team to oversee implementation.

Also read: City of Kigali approves settlement sites with 40,000 plots

The multidisciplinary group will review and monitor projects to ensure compliance with national standards.

Officials say the new measures align with Rwanda's drive for planned urban growth and climate-resilient development, helping communities adapt to environmental challenges while improving quality of life.

Read the original article on New Times.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2025 The New Times. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 90 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.