KIGALI, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Data on the sources of air pollution indicate vehicle emissions are the leading cause of air pollution in Rwandan capital city Kigali, Rwandan Minister of Environment Vincent Biruta said on Thursday.
Research indicates that vehicle emissions are the leading cause of air pollution in Kigali and other urban areas of Rwanda, while domestic wood, charcoal cook stoves and burning in fields are the primary contributor to poor air quality in residential and rural areas, Biruta said, when opening the 2019 National Seminar on Air Pollution in Kigali.
Monitoring data have indicated that concentrations of some types of particulate matter in Kigali are elevated and at times above globally acceptable standards, he said.
He also said Rwanda is being affected by all major pollutants but particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide are the pollutants of main concern.
The seminar, co-organized by Rwanda Environmental Management Authority and the Ministry of Environment, is part of week-long events of the National Environment Week organized ahead of the World Environment Day which falls on June 5.
It brought together the scientific community and other stakeholders to discuss ways to develop solutions to beat air pollution.
Activities being conducted during the National Environment Week include raising community awareness to prevent air pollution through protection of forest ecosystems, inspection on plastic pollution, motor vehicle inspection, seminar on air pollution, among others.
