Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police and Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) held a consultative meeting on January 22, on how best to partner and share knowledge on environment laws in the protection of the environment.

Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) engaged officials from REMA on areas of environment and sustainable development, environmental policy and regulations in Rwanda, state of environment as well as responsibilities of the public in preventiving environmental degradation.

Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Morris Murigo, the Deputy Commissioner of CID, emphasized the need to reinforce protection of the eco-system, and pledged Police’s lead role to foster its mission.

“We must remember that destroying the environment through deforestation and dumping polythene have long term negative effect on the eco-system and wellbeing of people. Therefore, Police will always ensure that people respect environment protection laws, as well as contribute in sensitizing the public about the need for a safe environment,” he said.

Rachael Tushabe, the Director for Environmental Education and Mainstreaming at REMA, commended the role of Police in curbing individuals who destroy the environment through selfish acts like deforestation and land degradation and dangerous gas emissions

“Working with Police has helped to prevent the destruction of the environment, and that is why this partnership should be amplified to ensure that Rwanda’s long term development is sustainable through protection of our land, air and water bodies,” she said.

The meeting also looked into ways to protect wetlands, rivers, lakes and biodiversity, fight against use and sell of plastic bags and other prohibited products.

RNP in 2012 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with REMA to join efforts to preserve the environment while enforcing the organic law on environment.

It was after this understanding that the environmental protection body trained over 180 police officers country wide on environmental law and environmental crimes.

In December last year, RNP received new gadgets that detect noise pollution and dangerous gases emitted by automobiles and, in a bid to effectively enforce law against harmful gases and nuisance sound. The new gadgets include four emission gas testing machines and three decibels (sound test masters).

Motor vehicle emissions are composed of by-products that exit from exhaust systems or other emissions such as gasoline evaporation – and they contribute to air pollution that has negative consequences on people’s health.

The acquisition of the gadgets was in line with the government will to begin mandatory vehicle emissions effective this year in an effort to improve air quality as well as the health and environment of all Rwandans as stipulated under the Prime Minister’s Instructions n°005/03 of 27/12/2013 preventing air pollution caused by vehicular emissions and machines using petroleum products.

RNP, REMA and the ministries of Natural Resources, Internal Security and Infrastructure, as well as Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) are part of the regulatory body.