Nyandungu Eco-Tourism Park has yet to be officially open to the public, even though it was completed almost two months ago.
Nestled in the valley between Kimironko and Masoro-Bumbogo hill in Ndera sector, separating Gasabo and Kicukiro districts, the urban wetland eco-tourism park sits on 120 hectares.
When The New Times visited the park, receptionists informed us that it will not open to the public until the official launch, which is yet to be confirmed.
However, visitors had access to a Bourbon Coffee-run coffee shop next to one of the Park’s entrances.
The project has faced prolonged delays since 2016 owing to a series of issues such as redesigning, change of contractors as well as heavy rains and Covid-19 related restrictions that slowed down the mobility of workers.
Nyandungu contains several waterponds
This led to an increase in project costs from Rwf2.4billion to Rwf5.04billion.
The revised completion schedule indicated that the park would be ready to use in May 2021, prior to the official launch in July 2021. The launch was pushed to December 1, 2021. Fast two months have passed.
Officials from Rwanda Environment Management Authority, Ministry of Environment and City of Kigali declined comments when we tried to reach them.
What tour operators have to say
Frank Gahigi, a tour consultant, says once open to the public, the Park could bolster the country’s tourism revenues and help the industry recover from the Covid-19 slump.
Gahigi believes that the Park will help increase the number and quality of tourist destinations in the area.
He suggests that more features and activities be added to the Park to make it more attractive to visitors.
The Nyandungu Urban Wetland eco-Tourism Park covers 120 hectares.
“The park should also promote and integrate an exhibition of Rwandan culture. Park should be adorned with many elements. It should include the country’s history and give opportunities to locals,” he said.
While charges to people visiting the Park are yet to be made official, preliminary projections suggest that it could potentially generate in excess of Rwf1 billion profits in the first 12 years of operation.
The Park
You are greeted upon entering the Park by well-constructed gates and pavements made from natural stones at all entrances.
Close by is the information centre where a visitor is oriented into the Park’s various sections.
In addition to a medicinal garden, which showcases indigenous and native plants, it also has Papal Garden— a name derived from the historic visit by Pope John Paul II to Rwanda in 1990.
It was here that the Pope gave his homily to Rwandans during his visit to the country 30 years ago. It was one of the largest open spaces in Kigali at the time that could hold large numbers of people who had attended religious ceremonies.
The park has over eight kilometres of cycling and walking paths. Courtesy
It also contains several water ponds that are named after different lakes in Rwanda, including Muhazi and Kivu. These ponds provide a peaceful place for visitors to relax in the natural setting.
Birds and butterflies have made the wetland home since the beginning of conservation efforts to restore the area.
Cranes and other bird species are increasing in the wetland and according to the park’s management, the site is currently home to more than 70 species of birds.
The park’s fig forest provides shade for the eight-kilometre-long walkways and dedicated cycling paths. This makes it easy to navigate the park. The park is open to all levels of activity, including walking, running, and cycling.
Visitors can also rest on benches and interact with one another while they inhale the amazing clean air.
The park is also expected to have gardens for wedding ceremonies and photographs, an observation deck to view and take pictures of bird species as well as an amphitheatre for meetings and events.
A café resto has also been built in the area to provide snacks and refreshments to the users of the park.
editor@newtimesrwanda.com
Source: rnewtimes
