The Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) has announced that the construction of the Base-Butaro-Kidaho road, which aims to enhance the tourism sector in Burera District, will recommence by the end of 2023.
The road’s construction works were put on hold in 2018 as India Exim Bank, which was funding the project, cited unfavourable conditions.
The poor condition of the road has been hindering business and the transportation of people in main trading centres — like Butaro— which is home to the University of Global Health Equity ((UGHE), the district hospital, and the Butaro Cancer Centre of Excellence. Other areas affected are Kirambo, Kinyababa, and Kidaho.
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According to residents and local authorities in Burera District, the tarmac road will boost business and connect them to Kisoro District in Uganda upon completion.
"Business and transportation of our harvest to the market will be easier; you can see its current poor state. The district’s primary economic activities are not flourishing,” commented Annonciata Nyirabariyanga, a farmer from Butaro.
Emmanuel Musibatayi, another resident of Kinyababa sector, is hopeful that the road "will benefit the entire region as it spans across the whole district, enhancing trade, tourism, and transportation.”
For Jean Baptiste Nshimyimana, in charge of Economic Development and Acting Mayor of Burera District, the Base-Butaro-Kidaho road is expected to help the area in the transport and tourism sectors.
"Many people and investors have consistently requested the improvement of this road to enhance the transportation of goods and facilitate trade with nearby districts, particularly Kisoro. This would greatly benefit the exchange of agricultural products and boost business opportunities in the area,” he said
"It will attract more tourists to the Burera and Ruhondo twin lakes and provide easier access to Butaro District Hospital for patients who are currently struggling due to its poor condition,” he added.
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Speaking to The New Times, the Director General of Rwanda Transport Development Agency, Imena Munyampenda, disclosed that delays were seen "due to budget constraint” and that "the government opted to change the financing arrangement by considering other affordable options.”
He added: "This, therefore, resulted in amicably terminating the contract on February 19, 2019.”
According to him, construction works for implementation, supervision, and expropriation resumed in September 2022 when the government secured funds, while the Joint Venture of NPD and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) took over to resume its construction.
The road is expected to be completed in 2025 and will be 63 km long.