6 Rwamagana District Lake Master Plans
6.1.1 Existing Conditions/Opportunities and Constraints
Rwamagana District is blessed with abundant water resources at its northern and southern borders. Together, these have the potential to give Rwamagana the opportunity to adopt a major economic development strategy to become a local, regional, and international resort destination. (See Appendix 3: Lake Muhazi Economic Feasibility Study for more detailed analysis.)
The objectives behind this development strategy are to not only provide tourist opportunities for visitors to the District, but to promote local economic development and prosperity for the citizens. Additional objectives are to promote environmentally sustainable touristic development that protects, preserves and regenerates the Rwamagana landscape.
The Rwamagana resorts are envisioned to provide a variety of recreational opportunities for a variety of users including local residents, Kigali residents, regional visitors, and international tourists. In addition, it is the goal of this plan to provide a variety of vacation, nature and recreational experiences including:
• Hotels/Inns • Boating • Water Sports • Golf and Tennis • Restaurants and Retail • Conference Venues • Vacation Homes • Ecotourism • Fishing • Bird watching • Bicycling • Vacation Homes
At Lake Muhazi, which has the ecology and topography suited for more “active” resort scenarios, there are three different prototypes envisioned, including a lakefront marina/waterfront resort, a hill top golf resort, and a marina/cove resort. At Lake Mugesera, which has an extensive and very delicate ecosystem, we envision a more natural “ecotourism” type of resort development. This prototype is integrated into the natural landscape, affording visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of the surroundings and to learn more about the Rwandan people and culture. In both instances, great care has been taken to work within the natural and social constraints and to envision resorts that will benefit both visitor and Rwandan citizens alike.
The development of resorts on the Rwamagana lakes is designed to achieve the following goals:
• Promote local economic development and prosperity through employment and training of employees at the resorts; development of direct supply lines and services to the resorts from local business; and innovative co-ownership/investment strategies for local investors and investment groups.
207 • Build local capacity and services to support development • Reinforce national tourism by complementing global interest in the gorillas and leveraging trips made to Virunga National Park • Preserve and protect the natural environment, and minimize the impacts of development on: o Lakes and wetlands o Wildlife biodiversity o Reforestation o Erosion prevention o View preservation • Enhance and preserve Rwandan social needs and cultural values o Preserve the historic local culture o Integrate agriculture and agri-tourism o Use lake development to support and integrate education and scientific research with botanic research institutes o Enhance utilization of lakes for domestic water supply
Opportunities and Constraints
As noted in Appendix 3: Lake Muhazi Economic Feasibility Study, the development of resorts in Rwamagana District will take time and will need to be seen in the context of the international wildlife destinations in other countries in East Africa. But with the right background development, appropriate niche targets, and the participation of national tourist bureaus, the Rwamagana Lake resorts can expect to be successful in their ambitions.
The opportunities inherent in Rwamagana District Lake Resorts are many, as noted throughout this section of the report (and indeed in the whole study). The key constraints that need to be addressed at this time are:
• Infrastructure to support development, which is lacking at almost all sites around the lakes • Resource and labor supply chains. Currently few resources exist to support resort development, including staff and supplies to operations.
6.1.2 Guiding Principles In order to achieve the previous goals mentioned, the following principles are established with the intention of creating value on the lakes while by protecting their natural and scenic character.
Ecology Viewshed Management • Preserve and protect lakeside ecology
Viewshed Management • Protect highly visible lakeside hill slopes from dense development and protect as open space/recreation and agricultural land uses
Viewshed Management-Hilltop208 • Hill top resort development and associated recreation along the tops of ridges
Concentrated Urban Development and Maintained Rural Character
• Prioritize urban growth areas to the south side of Lake Muhazi and rural character development to the north • Rwamagana and Kayonza townships as the primary service centers with concentrated high density urban resort centers at key locations within the lake Urban Growth Areas • Concentrate high density resort development within coves and inlets, and ensure protection of viewsheds
Cove Developments Watershed Management • Maintain 200m wide environmental protection zone along the edge of the lake with management controls to ensure protection of water quality of the lake
Water Quality Management • Retain and protect areas of wetland as important ecological and water filtration areas
Watershed Management 6.1.3 Lake Muhazi Resort Master Plans
The general plan for Lake Muhazi responds to the existing conditions, opportunities and constraints in several ways. Located along the northern part of Rwamagana District and approximately 6 km from the Town of Rwamagana, Muhazi offers many opportunities for retreat and recreation for residents of the town. The topography is such that it offers many scenic views from the coves around the lake. Elevations of the adjacent hills dramatically rise up to 75 meters from the lakes edge. The majority of land in this area is used for subsistence agriculture. Wet agricultural crops such as rice and sugar cane are predominant in this area due to the abundance of wetlands around the lake. The lake currently has one existing resort development and one proposed resort, Lake Muhazi Boulevard. These, along with other existing towns offer services and amenities that compliment future resort development
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Within the area designated as the lake study area (see Exhibit: Lake Muhazi Constraints) there are approximately 230 hectares of existing forest, 800 hectares of wetlands and over 4,000 hectares of steep slopes. Together, these constraints leave approximately 80% or 21,500 hectares of land for development. Another major constraint is the lack of roadways in this area, making it difficult to access the waterfront and nearby towns.
There are three different resort prototypes at Lake Muhazi illustrated below. Each one of them has a different “feel” and caters to different types of touristic desires. The first prototype is a lakefront resort town with a more urbanistic feel that act as gateways to the lake resort district. The second prototype is a classic golf resort with grand views of the lake, where guests can easily step out of their accommodations to play golf or visit other resort amenities on the lake. The third prototype is a “cove resort” that would appeal to the visitor who desires a bit more seclusion and communion with nature. All of these resort prototypes could be located in various places along the lake. There is the opportunity for many resourt since ther are other great locations along the 22km lake. These are summarized in Exhibit: Lake Muhazi Conceptual Master Plan w/Loop Road.
Along with the different resort prototypes, this master plan proposed an extended Loop Road to better serve both Lake Muhazi and the Town of Rwamagana. The proposed road utilizes portions of existing paved and unpaved road around the lake and adds an additional 13 km of paved roadway. The following Exhibit: Proposed Road Typologies displays the different forms the loop road could take.
210 GAHENGERI
MWULIRE
Murehe MWULIRE
KIGABIRO
MUYUMBU
NZIGE
Nzige
Legend Districts Sectors MUNYAGA
Rubona Rivers Major Highways
RUBONA Nkungu Other Roads
RWAMAGANA Towns
NYAKARIRO Lakes Existing Forest 20% > Slope Wetlands
Total Land Area: 9,394 Hectares
Natural Constraints Percent RURENGE Existing Forest 0% 20% > Slope 2%
KARENGE Karenge Wetlands 8% % Land Unbuilable 10%
* Total forest area includes forests not on steep slopes or in wetlands.
Lac Mugesera KAREMBO
MUGESERA
JURU BUGESERA
NGOMA
ZAZA
JURU
JURU BUGESERA
RUKUMBERI 01,0002,000500 Meters Lake Mugasera Constraints Map May 2007 01,250 2,500 5,000 Feet Scale 1:20,000
JURU BUGESERA Kayonza Urban Waterfront Resort
The concept behind this resort (Exhibits Kayonza Local Development Plan and Kayonza LDP Waterfront, below) is to create a new waterfront destination resort town for world and local travelers alike. This resort’s unique quality at Lake Muhazi would be its townscape emphasizing pleasant walkable streets all within one kilometer of the waterfront to allow people to park their car only once. A significant central park leads visitors to the waterfront, acting as the connecting spine of the community. No vehicular traffic is allowed on the pedestrian-only waterfront – it is a “people place”. A mix of hotel or inn choices ranging from high-end elite boutique, large scale resort hotels (including conference) down to the most affordable of hostel options would be available. The town also provides tourist activities including shopping, art, dining and entertainment. It is laid out in a modified grid in which streets work with the topography or step down the slope in a way that minimizes run-off and erosion while providing everyone with water views. Along the lake front is a marina at the center of the Waterfron Village with additional restaurants, shops, condominiums, and inns. Various boating venues would be offered along the pedestrian lakefront “promenade”.
Kayonza Urban Waterfront Program Elements
• Accommodations include a variety of styles and budgets; large waterfront resorts, hilltop resorts, boutique resorts, small scale/boutique waterfront resorts, edge resorts, nature based wetland resorts and hostels are all accommodated within the town limits. • All blocks within the city include a mix of uses although some concentrate resort opportunities. • The waterfront “promenade” is wide and well landscaped to provide shade, places for events and a transition from the waters edge to the building fronts. The promenade is punctuated with larger plaza areas for public events and celebrations. The area provides peaceful and active spaces. • Smaller internal courtyards and plazas provide outdoor spaces for lodging, restaurants and shops. Pedestrian connections break through the blocks to connect to these green spaces. • One block may vary greatly from another creating diversity and interest and the greatest mix of uses. • Possibly relocate the highway away from waterfront and plan for future connections east of the proposed new City center.
213 • Create a modified grid road system which is responsive to the natural topography. • Parking is accommodated in a number of ways; parallel parking on roads running with the contours, mid block parking lots, alleys and some larger parker lots or as needed structured parking meets the demand. • Roads running against the slope for water access are discouraged from having parking and are kept to a minimum width; preferably 24’. • Roads against the slope should have uses w/ smaller building width requirements to allow them to step up & down w/ the grade changes. • The space created from the angled road pattern is used to design a drainage system for the steeper roads. This drainage system not only handles run-off, but provides areas for small gathering spaces, parks and landscaped pedestrian zones. • Wetland edge resorts are adjacent to the wetlands, but not within them for habitat preservation. They have easy access and good views of the wetland area. • Use the vegetated area to south of Tity Center to locate more eco-based dispersed resorts, boutique hotels and a limited number of individual high end units associated w/ the boutique hotel. Allow this area to be a buffer/transition zone from the “town” to the surrounding “countryside”. • Buildings along the waterfront are one or sometimes two stories depending on the use. Buildings located off of the waterfront promenade may be three stories to increase density and take advantage of views. Most buildings will step with the grade change w/ a walkout first floor to the west (lake side) and a walk out second story to the east or hill side (see cross section). • Marina • Boating
214 May, 2007 May, Scale 1” = 200’ Existing Structures Proposed Trails Resort Waterfront Mixed-Use Park Urban Mixed-Use Edge Resort Wetland Hostel / Mixed Maintenance & Operations / Open Space Park Drainage Edge Resorts Legend Kayonza - Local Development Plan Waterfront Prototype Waterfront
n Wetland Vegetation Proposed road connectio Enhance Existing Wetland RWANDA See Detail oz architecture.sypher.era.edaw.tetratech.rmi/ensr/geomaps.engineers without borders.water for people for without borders.water oz architecture.sypher.era.edaw.tetratech.rmi/ensr/geomaps.engineers Rwamagana Conceptual Master Plan
Vehicular access Vehicular Roadway
Park Existing Park Pedestrian way Vehicular access Vehicular Proposed docks Existing road to remain Proposed marina Proposed park Proposed waterfront promenade Existing development to remain LDP Kayonza 800’ 400’ 200’ south of this point Plaza / Turn-a-round Existing development to remain 0’ 600’ Waterfront Resort Detail Plan - NTS Waterfront Location Map - NTS May, 2007 May, Scale 1” = 100’ Kayonza - LDP Waterfront Kayonza - LDP
Vehicular access Vehicular Roadway
Park Existing Park Pedestrian way Vehicular access Vehicular RWANDA oz architecture.sypher.era.edaw.tetratech.rmi/ensr/geomaps.engineers without borders.water for people for without borders.water oz architecture.sypher.era.edaw.tetratech.rmi/ensr/geomaps.engineers Rwamagana Conceptual Master Plan Plaza / Turn-a-round Existing development to remain south of this point 300’ 400’ 200’ 100’ 0’ Lake Muhazi Hilltop Golf Resort
The concept behind this large-scale, high-end resort complex is to provide a broad range of activities in a landscaped park setting. Activities range from golf, swimming and tennis to more relaxing pursuits such as soaking in a hot pool or sitting at an overlook gazing across agricultural lands and forests to Lake Muhazi. The resort is sited to maximize views to the lake and the golf course, while retaining walkability and convenient access to all activities. The lodging units are clustered in a manner that provides for a variety of more intimate experiences in contrast to the grand lodge and related swimming pool plazas. The golf course wraps around the complex with a forested park and trail system winding around it. Landscaped swales and berms connect the golf course and open space and provides areas for water cleansing before
entering Lake Muhazi. A trail system and narrow road provide access to the edge of Lake Muhazi where a small park gives visitors access to boats, trails near the lake’s edge and a place to experience the water.
Program Elements
• Maximize views to the lake and golf course • Create an attractive entry focusing on the golf course and a park/reforested landscape • Provide a central building and plaza complex that provides a diversity of activities ranging from restaurants, conference rooms and a spa to a series of pools and pedestrian overlooks
217 • Make the entire complex walkable with a higher density core development transitioning to more private lodging areas • Cluster lodging units to form more intimate courtyard spaces in contrast to the more public space of the lodge. • Connect all the areas with a landscaped system of pedestrian walkways. • Loop the golf course around the development and maximize views to it. • Reforest areas between the golf holes • Create water features thougout the complex • Utilize sustainable building and landscape methods to preserve resources, enhance the environment and express the local culture • Reforest the shoreline while leaving open views from key areas within the resort complex • Provide pedestrian and vehicular access to the shoreline. • Provide a lake side park and trail system. • Allow agriculture and grazing to remain between the resort complex and the reforested water edge.
218 Lakeside public park /
Muhazi amenities LDP
Shoreline reforrestation
Location Map - NTS
Trail access Productive agricultural open space
Overlook / trail system
Lodge / amenities
Core area - units / amenities Water quality pond
Clubhouse / practice green / hole #1
Amenity areas - spa / pool / bathouse / tennis
Shoreline access road
Golf course units
Site drainage / water / vegetation / trail amenities
Scenic entry drive
Golf course pedestrian crossing
Hilltop Resort Prototype
Muhazi - Local Development Plan
0’250’ 500’ 750’ 1000’ May, 2007 Rwamagana Conceptual Master Plan Scale 1” = 250’ RWANDA oz architecture.sypher.era.edaw.tetratech.rmi/ensr/geomaps.engineers without borders.water for people Gatsibo Cove Resort
The concept behind this resort is to create a new “cove resort” for the environmentally conscious tourist interested in a high end nature based experience and a quiet, restorative respite. The resort is sited to celebrate its waterfront and wetland locale. It connects the visitor to the lake as an essential part of the overall place and encourages interaction with the natural surroundings. Sustainable practices inform the design, building and operation of the resort. The Resort embraces the natural environment as its centerpiece and defining element.
Program Elements
▪ Reforest the site to create a dense vegetated (organic) entrance ▪ Retain 200 m. lake buffer/reforestation zone ▪ Create a loose canopy of large native species trees flank entrance drive off of main road ▪ Create framed views from building sites to the waters edge; Variety of tree/planting areas especially towards lake and wetlands that facilitate long distance glimpses of water areas where desired ▪ High potential for privacy and peace; each unit has a private outdoor space designed as part of the overall living experience
220 ▪ Units near each other have linked amenities which allows for social contact if desired by guests; these include courtyards and other common outdoor areas ▪ The complexity of the design reveals itself bit by bit without a single monolithic structure or presence similar to the informal housing clusters in Rwanda ▪ Sensitively design interactive bike/walk trails into and through natural areas (wetlands, forests) ▪ Place parking at outer edge away from visitor view ▪ Cluster development to reduce impact footprint and create a walkable environment
221 Gatsibo LDP
Relocated village road To wetland boardwalk loop
Location Map - NTS Service road to docks 1 & 2 Wetland
Boat / Bike Checkout Duplex Units
Meeting
Shop
Restaurant
Spa Parking Maint. Reforrested Dock 1 (areas marked with arrows are more transparent and have longer views)
Lodge Units
Reforrested area
Duplex Units
Bike / walk forrest loops - TBD Dock 2
Cove Prototype
Gatsibo - Local Development Plan
0’80’ 160’ 240’ 320’ May, 2007 Rwamagana Conceptual Master Plan Scale 1” = 80’ RWANDA oz architecture.sypher.era.edaw.tetratech.rmi/ensr/geomaps.engineers without borders.water for people
6.1.4 Lake Mugesera Eco-lodge Resort
The general plan for Lake Mugesera also responds to the existing conditions, opportunities and constraints in several ways. Located along the southern part of Rwamagana District and approximately 10 km from the proposed Bugesera International Airport, Mugesera offers many opportunities for resort tourism and development. Similar to Lake Muhazi, the main use of land around the Lake Mugesera is agriculture, primarily subsistence farming. A water treatment plant currently exists on the north western side of the lake.
Within the area designated as the lake study area (see Exhibit: Lake Mugesera Constraints) there are approximately 775 hectares of wetlands and 220 hectares of steep slopes. Together, these constraints leave approximately 90% or 8,400 hectares of land for development
Concept
The concept behind this resort is an eco-lodge that will provide the visitor with a natural and cultural immersion in a low-key resort setting operated in conjunction with a community- run cooperative. Guest would arrive to the area by boat. During the course of their stay, visitors would experience diverse cultural, educational and recreational opportunities such as: fishing, hiking, bird watching, botanical study, wetland and reforestation ecology, agricultural and pastoral practices, local art traditions, current history and the changing patterns of Rwanda. Lodge facilities would include a small research institute for studying lake and wetland restoration, fishery and other wildlife enhancements, sustainable (off the grid) development solutions, sustainable agricultural and grazing practices and the preservation of unique Rwandan culture.
Restoration efforts would focus heavily on reforestation of the area around the eco-lodge as well as wetland and shoreline enhancements within a 200 meter zone along the shoreline of western Lake Mugesera. Cooperative and sustainable agricultural, grazing and other land use practices would be implemented. Lodge buildings would incorporate the most sustainable design and construction practices and materials. Guest units would be oriented to maximize views to the water and provide passive cooling. An extensive trail system would be incorporated providing connectivity to the lake, adjacent agricultural lands and the Town of Mugesera.
223 Program Elements
Eco-Lodge
• Cluster development to reduce impacts on land • Guest share many of the spaces and facilities • Structures are placed softly within the landscape • Reforestation of shoreline • Keep buildings back 200 meters from the lake and cove edge • Research and enhancement of lake, fish habitat, reforestation and wetland wildlife habitats • Research and enhancement of agricultural, grazing and other cultural practices • Focus on boat transportation with minimal auto usage • Protect watersheds and increase water storage capacity • Filter development runoff before it reaches the lake or natural wetlands • Focus on educating guests and local residents about the environment and sustainable cultural practices • Use as many sustainable design features as feasible (e.g., solar hot water, sustainable building materials like rammed earth, recycled metal, fans or natural wind circulation, rainwater catchment tanks, wind/solar • Site with long axis of building east/west, provide shade (extended roofs, trees) • focus on sustainable agricultural practices and sharing the agricultural land) • Provide links to the town of Mugesera and the community cooperative
Agricultural and Cultural Cooperative
• Create a local cooperative that illustrates sustainable land use, agriculture, grazing and cultural practices • Create an environment that sustains and enhances the culture and arts of the Rwandan people
224 North Province
Gatsibo District
Lake Muhazi Karambi
Gati
Nyarubuya Legend
Nyagasambu District Boundary Kayonza
Ruhunda RwandaTowns Eastern Province Towns Major Highways Kigali Province Munyiginya Other Roads
Gikoro Rivers
Rebona Lakes
Musha Rwamagana Buildings
Cyimbazi
Gihumuza UrbanRwinkwavu Area
Ntunga 30 Minute Drive Time
Muyumbo 60 Minute Drive Time Mwulire 90 Minute Drive Time 120MinuteDriveTime
Murehe Kabarondo Kayonza District
Nzige
Nyakaliro rong o aba y Rubona N go n ro Nkungu ba ya N
Karenge
Bugesera District
Ngoma District
Lake Mugesera
01,250 2,500 5,000 Meters Kigali Drive Time Map Kibungo May, 2007 02,450 4,900 9,800 Feet Scale 1:50,000 N y a b a r on Lac Birara g
o GAHENGERI
MWULIRE
Murehe MWULIRE
KIGABIRO
MUYUMBU
NZIGE
Nzige
Legend Districts Sectors MUNYAGA
Rubona Rivers Major Highways
RUBONA Nkungu Other Roads
RWAMAGANA Towns
NYAKARIRO Lakes Existing Forest 20% > Slope Wetlands
Total Land Area: 9,394 Hectares
Natural Constraints Percent RURENGE Existing Forest 0% 20% > Slope 2%
KARENGE Karenge Wetlands 8% % Land Unbuilable 10%
* Total forest area includes forests not on steep slopes or in wetlands.
Lac Mugesera KAREMBO
MUGESERA
JURU BUGESERA
NGOMA
ZAZA
JURU
JURU BUGESERA
RUKUMBERI 01,0002,000500 Meters Lake Mugasera Constraints Map May 2007 01,250 2,500 5,000 Feet Scale 1:20,000
JURU BUGESERA Dock
Ngoma - LDP Eco-Lodge
Location Map - NTS Mugesera
Grazing Expansion Eco-Lodge
Agriculture Jacaranda Point Park Dock Cooperative Future village village
Dock
Eco-Lodge Detail Plan - NTS Management Office Shared Bathroom
Barn
Shared Bathroom 3-Story
Research 2-Story Institute Dining Hall
2-Story Guest Lodging
Eco-Lodge Prototype
Ngoma - Local Development Plan
0’500’ 1000’ 1500’ 2000’ May, 2007 Rwamagana Conceptual Master Plan Scale 1” = 500’ RWANDA oz architecture.sypher.era.edaw.tetratech.rmi/ensr/geomaps.engineers without borders.water for people Management Office Shared Bathroom
Barn
Shared Bathroom 3-Story
Research 2-Story Institute Dining Hall
2-Story Guest Lodging
Ngoma - LDP Eco-Lodge Site Plan May, 2007 0’ 50’ 100’ 150’ 200’ Rwamagana Conceptual Master Plan Scale 1” = 50’ RWANDA oz architecture.sypher.era.edaw.tetratech.rmi/ensr/geomaps.engineers without borders.water for people 6.1.5 Lake Area Development Implementation Recommendations and Strategies
Environmental conservation and protection:
• Preserve lake views by placing large higher density development in coves off the main lake or on hilltops back away from lake banks.
• Establish a buffer zone 200 meters back from the water edge.
• Keep major building development, excavations and environmental treatment zones (ETZ), out of the buffer zone.
• Lakeside construction within the buffer zone shall be elevated pier construction for minimal environmental impact.
• Preserve lake edge with raised boardwalks and docks. Construct to allow rise and fall of lake surface.
• Preserve natural wildlife and biodiversity.
• Use low horsepower boats, sailboats, canoes and kayaks.
• Contain use of fuels and oil.
• Grade developments to prevent erosion and preserve pervious surfaces. Control drainage while providing filtration and sedimentation before release into the lake.
• Treat wastewater with ETZ prior to release into the lake.
• Reforest areas where slopes are too steep for development.
Socioeconomic development:
• Encourage continued agricultural development in appropriate areas surrounding resort developments.
• Plan equitable new housing opportunities for anyone relocated as a result of new resort developments.
• Encourage joint development with local residents not just as employees but as co- investors and co-owners of projects.
• Work with Rubona Innovation Center and provincial higher education to establish training and capacity building in resort employment, servicing, and supply chains.
• Establish directed tax funds to support local resident’s development opportunities.
• Establish artisan and gift shops in all resorts selling authentic Rwandan crafts and goods, including specialized products from local farmers as they are developed.
228 General:
• Encourage development of local or regional resorts, and of resorts that look beyond the trend of the last half of the 20th century 21st century by looking beyond North American, Europe and Japan for clientele.
229