On 30 September 2024, Kigali Municipality completed the first phase of its Global Mayors Challenge project which focuses on innovating waste management and water harvesting systems in the Mpazi and Busanza neighborhoods.
This phase saw the installation of solar-powered sensors into bins for organic, inorganic, and electronic waste, allowing real-time monitoring of waste levels, preventing overflows and helping timely collection. The project benefits 1,354 households in the two neighborhoods to efficiently sort their waste.
Mukamana Console, a resident of Busanza
Segregating waste has opened my eyes to the usefulness of what we produce in our households. Waste is no longer just trash to throw away, but something to re-use and generate income.
The project not only tackles waste collection but also fosters environmental awareness. Residents have learned how to manage waste responsibly, leading to cleaner neighborhoods and reducing waste-related issues. Despite initial challenges to learn how to sort waste properly, a few community members have been exploring business opportunities relate to the repurposing of inorganic waste.
Gisubizo Emmanuel, a young resident
We have always envied other neighborhoods for being clean. Now, I feel empowered to make changes in my own neighborhood and encourage my neighbors to do the same.
To ensure ongoing success, the city has implemented training programs, regular maintenance schedules, and collaboration with waste management companies. These efforts will be supported by community engagement and adaptive management to address emerging challenges and for long-term sustainability of the installed systems.
“Each day at the site, I’m not just building a water reservoir; I’m building hope for me, my family” said Beatrice Iradukunda, a young woman from Busanza. Beatrice was primarily hired as a cleaner during the construction phase of the rainwater harvesting system, but, during the assignment, she observed the steel bending tasks and took a keen interest. Through hands-on learning and mentorship from experienced steel-bending professionals, she mastered the craft and saw her daily wages rise. With this income, Beatrice has been improving her life, providing more nutritious meals for her family, and saving money for her children’s education and better housing.
“When life seemed unbearable, I chose not to give up. My children needed me, and I knew I had to find a way to support them” said Epiphanie Munganyinka, a solo mother of four. Through the project her daily earnings rose, allowing her to pay for her children’s education and feed the family. Complementarily, she has begun cooking meals and selling soft drinks on the project site. Her story has encouraged unemployed community members to also leverage income generation opportunities.
The project’s second phase focuses on constructing rainwater harvesting systems to provide an affordable water source for the community, expected to be completed by March 2025.
The Kigali Global Mayors Challenge project is an example of how cities can innovate to tackle urban challenge.
More about Kigali project: https://sdglocalaction.org/kigali-water-waste/