Kigali Wetlands 2025: Engineering Solutions for Flood Control, Biodiversity & Clean Water

 

Kigali is investing millions to restore five wetlands. Learn how engineering is tackling runoff, climate resilience, and boosting eco-tourism.

Kigali is reshaping its future with one of the most ambitious environmental projects in the region. The city is rehabilitating five wetlands covering a total of 491 hectares. These wetlands include Gikondo, Rwampara, Rugenge-Rwintare, Kibumba and Nyabugogo. Their restoration is designed to improve flood control, protect biodiversity, and create new opportunities for citizens. The project also builds on Rwanda’s commitment to climate resilience and sustainable urban development.

The total investment is estimated at 82 million US dollars, which is about 108 billion Rwandan francs. Funding comes from both government resources and development partners. Already, about 30 million US dollars, or 40 billion francs, has been invested in the first phase of conservation works and infrastructure. The project is currently at 67.3 percent completion, and full rehabilitation is expected by December this year, followed by a four-month testing phase to March 2026.

1. Kigali’s Five Wetlands Under Rehabilitation

The wetlands under rehabilitation were selected because of their location and importance. They sit in low-lying areas of Kigali, between hills, where runoff water from the top often causes flooding. Their degradation over the years has increased urban flooding, water pollution and loss of biodiversity. Rehabilitating them is both an environmental and economic necessity.

Gikondo Wetland is about 70 percent complete. It will include four ponds, flood control rivers and dams, and will host culture tourism and recreation. Special botanical species will be planted to restore vegetation.

Rwampara Wetland is at 38 percent. It will be known for national culture and fashion, creating a link between environmental conservation and Rwanda’s cultural heritage.

Rugenge-Rwintare Wetland is about 62 percent complete. It will include a five-hectare pond to collect water from Rugenge, Rwintare and Gikondo. A Knowledge Hub will be built to share Rwanda’s journey in wetland rehabilitation and environmental conservation.

Kibumba Wetland is at 76 percent. It will be designed as a fishing wetland, including a botanical garden and plots for education.

Nyabugogo Wetland is about 59 percent complete. It will feature a large pond and will serve as a research and study wetland because of its diversity of plants.

Each wetland has a unique identity, but they share common features. All will have ponds and streams to manage runoff, sediment labs to filter wastewater, and solar lighting along the walkways. Together, they will provide 61.5 kilometres of walkways for recreation and mobility.

2. Investment and Financing

The rehabilitation of Kigali’s wetlands is a large-scale investment in the city’s future. The total cost is estimated at 82 million US dollars, equivalent to about 108 billion francs.

So far, 30 million US dollars, or 40 billion francs, has been used. This funding has gone to conservation works, initial infrastructure, and the first phase of construction. The second phase will focus on building sports and recreation facilities, tourism centres, and knowledge hubs.

The investment is not only financial but also strategic. Wetlands provide ecosystem services such as flood control, clean water, biodiversity protection and climate regulation. By investing in wetlands, Kigali is saving money that would otherwise be lost to flood damage, health problems and environmental degradation.

3. Expected Benefits and Income

The economic and social benefits of wetland rehabilitation are significant.

So far, about 6,000 green jobs have been created. By completion, the project is expected to generate 12,000 jobs. These include jobs in construction, environmental management, tourism, research and recreation.

The wetlands will also contribute to Kigali’s revenue. Recreational sites, cultural centres and tourism facilities will generate income similar to what is being achieved by Nyandungu EcoPark.

The value of ecosystem services is even higher. Wetlands naturally clean water, reduce flood risks and support biodiversity. A study by Rwanda Environment Management Authority shows that the value of Kigali’s wetlands can reach more than 2 billion US dollars over 30 years if well rehabilitated. This value comes from avoided damages, increased tourism, and improved health.

4. Timeline and Progress

Rehabilitation works began in 2024. Progress varies by wetland, but overall, the project is 67.3 percent complete. The plan is to finish major works by December 2025. A four-month testing phase will then run until March 2026. This phase will check whether planned designs and engineering solutions match what has been built.

5. Engineering Solutions for Ecosystem Restoration

The Kigali wetlands project is an example of how engineering can work with nature. Several technical solutions are being applied.

Retention ponds and dams are being constructed to collect and control stormwater. These ponds reduce flood peaks during heavy rains and store water for slow release.

Sediment labs are being built at the entry points of wastewater into the wetlands. These labs trap stones, plastics, dead plants and other waste, ensuring that water entering the wetlands is clean.

Native vegetation is being planted to restore biodiversity and improve water filtration. Botanical gardens will also serve as education spaces.

Infrastructure is designed for people as well as nature. More than 61 kilometres of walkwaysare being constructed, powered by solar energy. These walkways provide mobility, recreation and tourism opportunities.

6. Tackling Climate and Runoff Challenges

Kigali faces challenges from climate change, including intense rainfall and flooding. Wetland rehabilitation provides solutions to these problems.

Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing runoff and reducing flood risks. By storing water during heavy rains, they protect urban areas from flooding. They also release water slowly during dry periods, supporting water availability.

Rehabilitated wetlands will also reduce urban heat, store carbon, and protect biodiversity. They are a cost-effective way of improving Kigali’s climate resilience while enhancing the city’s green image.

7. From Degradation to Restoration

The current situation in many wetlands is severe. Encroachment, pollution and degradation have reduced their ability to function. Floods have increased, water quality has declined, and biodiversity has been lost.

Kigali is facing rapid urbanization, population growth, and the pressures of climate change. As the city expands, the need for stronger systems to manage water, protect biodiversity, and create green jobs has become urgent. Wetlands, which once acted as natural buffers against floods and pollution, had been heavily degraded. Encroachment, waste dumping, and unplanned development turned them into vulnerable zones. The government recognised that without action, Kigali risked more flooding, poorer water quality, and the loss of valuable ecosystem services.

The proposed rehabilitation outcomes are clear. Once complete, the wetlands will filter water, reduce floods, support biodiversity, and provide spaces for recreation and tourism. They will change from degraded spaces into productive, clean and attractive urban ecosystems.

Case Study: Nyandungu EcoPark

The Nyandungu EcoPark is an important example of what wetland rehabilitation can achieve.

The project cost about 6 billion francs and took six years to complete. It transformed a degraded wetland into an eco-tourism park covering 121 hectares.

Nyandungu now attracts about 6,000 visitors every month. It generates jobs, revenue and education opportunities. Engineering works included the creation of ponds, streams, botanical gardens and walkways.

The benefits are visible. Nyandungu filters water, reduces flood risks, and supports more than 200 bird species. It has become a model for urban wetland rehabilitation in Rwanda.

The park also shows how investment in wetlands can bring economic returns while protecting ecosystems. Kigali’s current projects build on the success of Nyandungu, aiming to multiply its benefits across five major wetlands.

Why WetlandRehabilitation Matters for Kigali’s Future

The rehabilitation of Kigali’s wetlands is not only an environmental project. It is a strategic investment in the city’s resilience, economy and image.

With 82 million US dollars invested and thousands of jobs created, the project demonstrates how engineering and nature can work together. Wetlands will protect Kigali from floods, provide clean water, restore biodiversity and create revenue.

For Rwanda, this is also about leadership. By choosing wetland rehabilitation, Kigali is setting an example for African cities on how to build resilience to climate change.

As the works near completion, the city looks forward to healthier ecosystems, more green jobs, and a sustainable urban future. Kigali’s wetlands are no longer neglected swamps; they are becoming engines of resilience and growth.

The rehabilitation of five wetlands is therefore not just an environmental programme but an engineering solution to urban challenges. Covering almost 500 hectares, these wetlands are being redesigned to combine ecology and modern infrastructure. Engineers are creating ponds and water channels to regulate runoff. Sediment labs are being introduced to clean wastewater before it enters the wetlands. Walkways and green spaces are being added to make wetlands accessible and useful for citizens.

This approach represents a new vision of city planning in Rwanda. Instead of fighting against nature, Kigali is working with nature. Wetlands are being turned into assets for the economy, the environment, and communities. By integrating flood control, recreation, and biodiversity protection, the project reflects Rwanda’s broader ambition to build climate resilience.

The scale of investment also shows the seriousness of the initiative. With more than 108 billion francs budgeted, it is one of the biggest environmental engineering projects in the city’s history. Importantly, it is not only about money but also about creating value. Every franc spent is expected to return benefits in reduced damages, new jobs, and improved quality of life.

Kigali’s wetland rehabilitation is therefore more than construction works. It is a turning point in how cities can balance growth and sustainability, and a model for other African capitals.