Construction works on the Base-Butaro-Kidaho road set to improve transport and the tourism sector in Burera District resumed in November 2023, it emerges. In May 2018, the governments of Rwanda and India signed a concessional loan agreement worth US$66.60 million for the construction of Base-Butaro-Kidaho tarmac road in Northern Province. Residents of Butaro Trading Center, home to the University of Global Health Equity ((UGHE), a district hospital, and Butaro Cancer Centre of Excellence, who spoke to The New Times welcomed the resumption of works, expressing optimism due to the anticipated reduced cost of transport and eased movement upon completion of the 63-kilometre road project set to connect the districts of Rulindo and Burera. ALSO READ: Why Base-Kidaho road project stalled Located in Northern Province, the road project is expected to facilitate tourism and boost economic activity in the area, once completed. “Business is not good here because our clients are merely local inhabitants. We do not get people from other areas because the road is in poor condition,” said James Cyiza, a businessman in Butaro. “We anticipate getting more clients and visitors since a new road will improve movement of people like other places in Musanze.” The existing poor road has also impeded business and transportation within other areas of the district including Kirambo trading center. The revamped road is also set to connect Burera District to Kisoro District in Uganda. “Business and transportation of our harvest to the market will be easier,” Annonciata Nyirabariyanga added. Emmanuel Rwanzekumva, a motorist, said he spends a lot of money repairing his motorcycle due to the road’s poor conditions. “We’re paying a lot of money to the mechanics,” he said. Burera District authorities are sure the new Base-Butaro-Kidaho road will boost business and tourism. ALSO: Rwanda-Uganda border crossing sees surge in trade According to Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), delays were seen “due to budget constraint” hence the government opted to change the financing arrangement by considering other affordable options after amicably terminating an initial contract in February 2019. The road is being constructed by the Joint Venture of NPD and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), who took over. It is expected to be completed and become operational in 2025.
