AfDB funds 208 km road rehabilitation and widening project in Rwanda
The Government of Rwanda in partnership with African Development Bank (AfDB) through the African Development Fund (AfDF), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the European Union (EU) funding the Kagitumba-Kayonza-Rusumo road (208km) project.
The ground breaking ceremony for the multi-national road was officiated by the Minister of Infrastructure, Honourable James Musoni in presence of the Minister of State in charge of Transport, Honourable Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, the Ambassador of Japan, Mr. Tukayiki Miyashita, the Head of Delegation of European Union, Mr. Nicola Belomo, the AfDB country representative, Ms. Martha Phiri and other dignitaries.
Honourable Minister Musoni in this remarks opined that, the road will contribute to socio-economic development, poverty reduction and regional integration between the three neighbouring East African Community countries (Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania), linking the Northern Corridor to the Central Corridor; promoting employment opportunities, reducing accident and transport cost,
increasing road safety and promoting cross border trade and regional integration. The Minister Hon. Musoni urged people along the road network to take advantage of opportunities that it will bring.
The multinational Project started in May 2017 and will be completed by end November 2019. The project is estimated to cost is 185 million dollars with support from African Development Fund (AfDF), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as well as European Union (EU) and Government of Rwanda (GOR).
The Project will also support the construction of 10 water boreholes and rehabilitation of 10 milk collection centres, institutional support and ancillary Works for Pipeline road project studies, Road & Bridge Asset Management, Cross border markets near Kagitumba and Rusumo, Capacity building for Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), trade facilitation, Technical assistance for RTDA. The Project will in addition support training and capacity building for cross-border women traders at Kagitumba and Mirama Hills, Support to the Transport Sector Working Group (T- SWAP) Secretariat, Road safety audit, monitoring and evaluating socio-economic impact, as well as the Compensation and Resettlement components.
