Assessment of Urbanization Effects on Environmental Security. Case of Nyarugenge District

Abstract

Most safety concerns are generated by complex situations involving also environmental issues that result from the persistence of existing problems that do not receive enough attention on time. If the environmental problems are now somehow known, we still lack specific information on how issues are linked, how closely they interact, and what measures are most effective. Observation of the facts in the City of Kigali shows that the development of roads, sewerage system, and waste disposal is on an increase but the responsible to consider adverse consequences brought about by the activities undertaken seem to neglect some factors and as a result cause various damages that are interpreted as security threats. The objective of this study was to examine how urbanization affects environmental security of Nyabugogo and surrounding areas and how the steps taken towards urbanization can either preserve the environment or degrade the environment in the area. The researchers used qualitative approaches and primary data sources obtained through questionnaires, focus group discussion, observation and interviews and desktop research to discover the existing literature. The findings indicated more degradation that taking place, construction in risky areas, emissions from vehicles and fuel sources, water sources contaminated and wetlands are heading to extinction leave alone the less mobilization of communities towards environmental protection. Conclusively, urbanization has brought positive and negative effects towards environmental protections although more efforts are still needed to ensure that Kigali city conforms to international protocols about environment.