The upgrading of the 67-kilometre Kibugabuga-Shinga-Gasoro road, the only paved route connecting Eastern and Southern provinces, is 97 per cent complete, according to the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA).
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The tarmac road will be completed in March 2025, linking it with the Kigali-Huye highway without the need to traverse the City of Kigali.
"This road is already passable, with only minor works remaining,” RTDA announced.
According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, the road is one of the first asphalt main roads directly linking Rwanda’s Eastern and Southern provinces.
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"Once operational, it will significantly improve mobility, enhance trade, and accelerate socio-economic development for communities along the route.
The Kibugabuga-Shinga-Gasoro road is expected to improve seamless connectivity between Bugesera District and other districts in both the Eastern and Southern Provinces, creating a direct route that reduces travel time and transport costs,” the Ministry stated.
The road will provide much-needed relief to residents who have long relied on unpaved roads, which are often challenging, especially during the rainy season.
"We usually go to a cattle market in Ruhango District to buy or sell cows. However, it was very difficult during both the rainy and dry seasons. We hope transport costs will also be reduced,” Justin Nyandwi, a resident of Bugesera District, told The New Times.
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Residents have cited its potential to boost local businesses, improve market access, and facilitate regional trade.
A local business owner in Bugesera, Divine Kubwimana, stated, "This road will open up opportunities for us to access larger markets, reduce transport costs, and attract more customers to the district. It’s a game-changer for our community.”
Kubwimana added that the paved road will enable farmers and traders to transport their goods more efficiently.
Bigger project
The Bugesera-Nyanza road is part of the Ngoma-Nyanza road upgrading project, spanning around 123 kilometers and connecting Ngoma, Bugesera, and Nyanza districts.
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It has been progressing in phases, including the Ngoma-Ramiro road (52.8 km) and the Kibugabuga-Gasoro road (66.5 km).
The project is poised to facilitate the efficient and secure movement of goods and people along the regional corridor from Tanzania to Rwanda and neighboring countries, notably through the shared border of Rusumo.
The Central Corridor, extending 2,170 kilometers through Tanzania, serves as a vital link connecting Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and DR Congo to Dar es Salaam port.