More Bamboo species are expected to be introduced in Rwanda for a greener future

More Bamboo species would be introduced in construction in Rwanda, in the nearly future for a greener and more sustainable future, as it has been said during the International Bamboo Forum for Construction in Huye District, a week-long conference organized by Industrial Research and Development Agency (NIRDA) in partnership with Enabel in Rwanda and Racines de France.

During his remarks on November 16, 2023, Richard Niwenshuti, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MINICOM), said that this conference is an opportunity for participants to learn from the experts on how bamboo can be used in the construction.

“Bamboo is a strategic yet underutilized resource, has the potential to combat climate insecurity while fostering economic development. Its role in providing essential ecosystem services supply, regulation, support, and cultural services cannot be overstated.” He said.

PS Richard Niwenshuti highlighted the importance of the use of bamboo in construction for the protection of the environment. He also reiterated that Government Institutions and Agencies should work together, in order to have an efficient outcome of this initiative.

“Let us embrace this opportunity to redefine our approach to construction. Bamboo is not just a building material; it is a symbol of our commitment to a greener and more sustainable future. Through joint efforts and shared dedication, we can usher in a new era of construction that not only meets our developmental needs but also preserves and protects our environment for generations to come.” He added as he was concluding his remarks.

Mister Laurent Preud’homme, the Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Belgium to Rwanda, said that Belgium is pleased to partner with Rwanda on this initiative.

In his speech, he emphasized on how the event was not just a conference but something much more.

“The bamboo initiative taking place here features in this broader story. This is not just a conference and a forum bringing together Rwandan and international experts. This is also the start of something that will last. NIRDA, with the support of the Belgian development cooperation, has developed its plan to set up a Centre of Excellence in Bamboo here at this campus. This conference kickstarts what this place is to become in the future.” He added.

Over the past days, the focus was put on practical workshops and presentations to equip local actors with the skills and insights needed to embrace bamboo as a key player in the construction industry, explained Mister Telesphore Mugwiza, Division Manager Applied research and Development at NIRDA.

“We are all aware that bamboo can relieve pressure on the environment when used in construction. We only have to agree on ways to embrace this and it starts with gatherings like the one we’re having today. I hope we will hear a lot from experts and policy makers on how we can reach there.” He added

Participants were asked to be steadfast in initiating bamboo in their dairy construction work. During the training, Participants from around the world shared experience on the different uses of bamboo, had practical workshops where they acquired hands on skills on the use of bamboo in construction by designing and building part of the house such as walls, roofs and beams using bamboo.

They also had time to plant bamboo at Rwanda Industry’s Huye, NIRDA Research Center and committed to embracing the use of bamboo in the construction.