The construction of tarmac roads in Musanze town is due to kick off, is expected to be completed next year at a tune of Rwf12.2bn, officials have said. Officials announced this last week during a tour that attracted a team of senators on the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Finance, and officials from Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) among others. The delegation sought to assess the state of infrastructure development and progress of several government programmes ahead of 2017 deadline, according to Senator Perrine Mukankusi, the chairperson of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Finance. Jean Damascene Bizumuremyi, programme manager in charge of road construction and rehabilitation at RTDA, said the roads construction would start soon. “The construction is set to start as soon as possible, we have signed a contract with the contractor and he is ready to start works, we are hopeful to have roads constructed in 12 months,” he said. A total of 25-kilometre road network will be constructed in two phases. The construction will start with 5-kilometre roads in the central town and 9 kilometres from town to the Rwanda Defence Forces Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, while the second phase will be constructed there after, according to Bizumuremyi. Musanze roads have been in a sorry state for a long time with residents and business community, complaining that it affects their business. The district will contribute Rwf2.4 billion toward the construction while the rest will come from the central government. Rwanda Transport Development Agency officials said part of the budget was availed in this fiscal year with the rest expected to be earmarked in next year financial year. Senator Mukankusi said all institutions should ensure proper planning giving priority to the most pressing sectors. Meanwhile, Mukankusi advised Rwanda Transport Development Agency and other concerned institutions to find a solution to the issue of torrential waters which gush from the Volcanoes National Park to destroy properties and crops of residents. Senators were also concerned with the issue of poor state of bridges in the district and urged line institutions to ensure they are rehabilitated. Business community and residents in Musanze District have welcomed the roads construction project, saying it will boost trade and tourism in the area. “We are happy with the development in this town, it was among the towns in poor state. The construction will not only boost business of the town but also change its face,” a trader, who only identified himself as Celestin, said. Officials urged residents with land along the roads to be constructed to be ease negotiations for expropriation process to start soon. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
