Promoting Sustainable Land Management and Inclusive Urban Planning: INES-Ruhengeri's Role in Rwanda's Development

On 27th November 2024, during the opening of the 9th Advanced Training University in Rwanda, Fr. Dr. Jean Bosco Baribeshya, Vice-Chancellor of INES-Ruhengeri, emphasized the institution's commitment to developing professionals who can address the critical issues facing land use and urbanization.

Fr. Dr. Jean Bosco BARIBESHYA addressing the audience at the FGF Conference.

"We need to produce qualified professionals who can leverage technology to build inclusive cities," Fr. Dr. Baribeshya stated. INES-Ruhengeri actively engages with global platforms such as the Fédération des Géomètres Francophones (FGF), Fédération Internationale des Géomètres (FIG), and the East African Land Administration Network (EALAN) to contribute to sustainable land use and urban development in Africa.

INES-Ruhengeri's Department of Land Survey plays a pivotal role in producing topographic experts to meet Rwanda's growing demand for skilled professionals. The department offers a comprehensive curriculum in topography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and land administration, while emphasizing professional ethics and social responsibility.

"We are committed to becoming a center of excellence in Land Survey, attracting students from across the region," said Fr. Dr. Baribeshya. He also highlighted the recently launched Master of Science in Geo-Informatics, aimed at equipping professionals with the skills to address land surveying challenges in Rwanda and the region. This initiative seeks to train future leaders who can provide innovative solutions for land management and urban planning.

INES-Ruhengeri has trained 1,116 land surveyors and 217 senior land survey technicians, who play an active role in public services related to urban planning, land management, and cadastral services, as well as in private consulting. Fr. Dr. Baribeshya expressed gratitude for the success of the conference, saying, “I extend my deep thanks to all those who have made this event possible and wish you all fruitful exchanges at the 9th Advanced Training University in Kigali.”

Dr. Jack Ngarambe, MININFRA

The 9th FGF Universities conference, held from 27th to 29th November 2024 at Lemigo Hotel in Kigali, was organized by FGF, INES-Ruhengeri, and the Rwanda Organization of Land Surveyors (ROLS), and opened by Dr. Jack Ngarambe, PhD, Director General of Urbanization, Housing, and Human Settlement at the Rwanda Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA).