Rwanda Encourages Industry to Adopt Clean Production Methods
Adapted from an article by James Buyinza
The New Times (Kigali)
Originally Published Online: 16 November 2007

The Rwandan Environment Management Authority (REMA) recently announced a two-year "Cleaner Production" programme aimed at protecting the environment by encouraging industry to deal with waste products at their source.

The programme, which will run from 2008 to 2010, seeks to reduce industrial impact on the environment by minimising waste materials and preventing pollution, according to Remy Norbert Duhuze, REMA's Environmental Impact Assessment and Cleaner Production Focal Point Officer. Duhuze was speaking during a workshop to educate manufactures and factory owners on clean production methods.

Duhuze went on to explain, "Cleaner production is a way of producing goods and services with minimum environmental impacts under the present technological and economic limitations... It's being used in Uganda and Kenya and it registered success. With this new inventory we can achieve the Economic Development for Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) without affecting the environment."

REMA is launching this nation-wide programme after a successful pilot project with several companies, including Inyange, Utexrwa, Sakirwa Industries Ltd, Sulfo Rwanda Industries Ltd and Rwanda Leather Industries.

Duhuze pointed out that, in addition to the environmental benefits, clean production methods increase profitability by lowering production costs through the efficient use of raw materials, energy, and water.

The Director of Kenya National Cleaner Production, Jane Nyakango, added that her country has benefited from a similar program and she encouraged Rwandan manufactures to embrace clean production methods to reduce pollution.

"It offers a great potential for companies to improve their environmental performance and gain community support, while increasing economic efficiency and productivity," Nyakango said.