It’s a weekend! A universal urban euphoria that resonates around the world at that particular time of the week! This is a moment that’s highly anticipated by many and most dreaded by others.
Week-end? Some may ask! End of what? Many grapple and come to terms with the fact that their week has come to a halt in a literal sense. If this is you rest assure that you are not alone among the many Kigalians who have run out of options when faced with this phenomenon.
Where do we spend our weekend this time? Some may wonder.Or where can we go for a quiet Sunday. If say this were a dating couple or a married couple with children who just can’t find much on offer in terms of family outings open spaces or events suited with their family needs.
The lack of fun activities and open public recreational spaces makes Kigali a very dull place. Indeed what was a time meant for fun and rejoicing turns into a moment of despair and boredom.
That most Kigalian workaholics who can’t get away from it all simply can’t wait to go back to the drudgery of their offices and other daily activities.
Others simply head to the regional cities for especially Kampala. Others head for a hike on the volcanoes or a swim in Kivu.
Ever wondered why folks have gotten so religious all of a sudden? Hey yo where were you ‘churching’ in say ..Lusaka buddy? They have no way out! Most of the fun and socialising at least the free ones is within reach in the confines of some of our mega churches. It is ironic for such a green city to lack spaces for any meditative purposes.
Yes, we are launching hotels, shopping malls, cafes and night clubs almost every other day, bars and sport betting hubs have mushroomed all over the city. This only caters to a section of Kigalians who either can afford these amenities, what of the rest of us? What do young ones on school holidays do? Where can they spend their time? Many are simply dumped on some church ground; for lack of a proper word, their guardians simply can’t cope with the pressure.
It has come to our attention that there are a few local attempts to create space for them.
Kigalians, you need to be creative this city needs a revival and you have the means to make it.
