Page 31 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 31
P. 31
The Environment
The implementation Rwanda’s Sustainable
of the Adobe Bricks
Standards No. 484:2022 is
a landmark achievement
that has standardized the Journey: Leading the
dimensions, composition,
and construction methods Way in Africa’s Built
for rukarakara bricks. These
guidelines are crucial in
maintaining the structural Environment
integrity of buildings
constructed with these
materials, ensuring that they RONALD MBIU, NAIROBI, KENYA
meet safety requirements
while remaining affordable. By embracing rukarakara, Rwanda has localized its
The legislation mandates construction methods rather than adopting imported
training for building techniques that may not suit local needs or climates. This
inspectors for its use as approach not only preserves cultural building traditions but
well as only allowing those also reduces costs and environmental impact by minimizing
building with the material the use of cement and other high-energy materials. The
to only construct single- government’s support for this initiative, including mandatory
storey residential houses. training and the organization of builders into associations,
Moreover, the government’s ensures that structures meet the required standards, enhancing
focus on training and the overall quality of housing in the country.
organizing builders into
associations further Green City Kigali: A Vision for Sustainable Urban Living
strengthens the quality of
rukarakara constructions. The Green City Kigali Master Plan is perhaps the most
By requiring that builders ambitious demonstration of Rwanda’s commitment to
undergo proper training and sustainability. This ambitious initiative envisions an inclusive,
adhere to strict guidelines, affordable, and environmentally friendly urban community
Rwanda ensures that homes on Kinyinya Hill in Gasabo District. The 600-hectare master
built with these bricks plan, designed to house 170,000 to 200,000 residents, is a
are not only affordable flagship project of the Rwanda Green Fund, demonstrating
but also durable and safe. the country’s dedication to creating a sustainable future that is
This approach not only tailored to its unique context.
empowers local communities
but also promotes the The master plan is grounded on four key pillars: affordable
use of environmentally and socially equitable development, climate change
friendly materials that align adaptation and mitigation, resource efficiency, and culturally
with Rwanda’s broader sensitive urban planning that is deeply rooted in the
sustainability goals. local context. Unlike many urban projects that replicate
Westernized sustainability models, Green City Kigali
integrates local needs and priorities, focusing on creating a
ISSUE 31 | NOVEMBER 2024 31
