THE PROPOSAL

We have now secured funding for construction of the first three Ikirunga (Volcano) Cabins to be built in Musanze.

We are now inviting philanthropic investors to consider funding cabins in the South East of Rwanda on the Ikirezi Farms, on Lake Muhazi, for visitors to Shyira itself, or in Kigali. Please remember that the whole purpose of this project is to provide funds for Rwandan villages.

We have had a draft estimate of a construction cost for the cabins of around £30k. At this stage it is only an estimate and it may, or may not, include enough for the site acquisition, we have located a local engineer and will be signing a contract with him shortly to look for a site and prepare documents for permits. and official fees for planning etc. The next stage is to tighten up all the costs. However, land is relatively inexpensive, so we will make a decision in due course.

These iconic, cosy, catered cabins will be less than two hours driving apart and provide reliable, mid-priced and unusual accommodation across Rwanda. Marketing will focus on the recognisable and readily identifiable design features of the Ikirunga Cabin.

Funding can be an outright gift which will provide maximum funds for starting village businesses or, if necessary, donors or investors could possibly be paid, say, 5% interest once cabin rentals start generating income. In either case where the total build cost is covered the cabin will be owned by a new charitable company which we are in the process of setting up in Rwanda. Apart from two or three weeks stay in the cabins by major donors, it is intended that all rental profits, after housekeeping and services have been covered, will be sent to Shyira Village to start and develop new businesses. If personal circumstances make a return of donation essential we ask that a six month period is allowed for us to try and find a replacement donor.

Additional funds may also be required for site acquisition, local engineer and architect’s fees, planning and building regulation fees and housekeeper/cook accommodation, depending on the different areas in which we will be operating. Booking, servicing and housekeeping will be organised by Rwanda Design Studios in the UK initially until the new charitable company is up and running. We are receiving very welcome donations towards some of these infrastructure costs and all donations of any amount at all are gratefully received.