In line with the recent World Environment Day celebrations on June 5, Kigali marked a significant milestone on June 19 with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art bio-waste treatment facility at the Nduba dumpsite.
This facility is a crucial advancement in converting organic waste into valuable organic fertilizers, reducing environmental impact, and promoting a circular economy.
The project was realized through the collaboration of the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Biodiversity of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the Global Green Growth Institute.
Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Valentine Uwamariya, underscored the facility’s capacity to process up to 100 tonnes of waste per day.
She emphasized the importance of viewing waste as a resource for valorization rather than mere refuse, promoting a transformative mindset in waste management.
Luxembourg’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Xavier Bettel, reiterated Luxembourg’s commitment to environmental protection on both national and international fronts.
He commended the “Waste to Resources” project as an exemplary model of how environmental sustainability can create new economic opportunities that benefit the entire Rwandan population.
A primary objective of the project is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, with an estimated annual reduction of 15,320 tonnes once the facility operates at full capacity.
Additionally, the initiative will generate 74 new green jobs and improve access to municipal solid waste services for 250,000 people, contributing to Rwanda’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Nduba facility is equipped to treat five tonnes of organic waste per day, transforming it into high-quality organic fertilizers. This development is especially timely, given that waste generation in Kigali has increased from 141.38 tonnes per day in 2006 to 495.76 tonnes currently.
The Nduba dumpsite now features essential infrastructure as part of the “Waste to Resources Project: Improving Municipal Solid and Hazardous Waste Management in Rwanda,” including a truck weighbridge that ensures precise measurement of waste entering the landfill and being diverted for treatment.
Despite the rising waste volumes, sorting at landfills has been challenging, making this facility a critical addition to Kigali’s waste management framework. By 2026, a new landfill is expected to be completed in the Nduba sector, close to the current site, with an investment of €67 million (approx. Rwf93 billion).
The City of Kigali aims to convert 70% of its waste into organic fertilizers. The remaining 30%, consisting of solid waste, including plastic bottles (10%) and paper (5%), is also targeted for recycling.
Rwanda continues to prioritize waste management with a forward-thinking approach, including plans to invest $28 million in extracting and utilizing landfill gas (LFG) for power generation, thereby reducing methane emissions. This comprehensive strategy not only addresses the growing waste management challenges but also aligns with Rwanda’s broader environmental and economic goals, showcasing a model of sustainable development and innovation.
