Construction of the 73km Nyagatare-Rukomo road was yesterday launched in Ngarama, Gatsibo District. It will be built at a cost of over Rwf38 billion and once completed in January 2021, will increase trade between Eastern and Northern Provinces. It will have public lighting all the way and government officials believe it will benefit agriculture and tourism sectors in the two provinces. The construction was financed by Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), Skills Development Fund (SDF) and Opec Fund for Economic Development (OFID). Construction works are being undertaken by a Chinese firm, STECOL. The Minister of State in charge of Transport, Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, said the road is one of President Kagame’s pledges to citizens. “This road connects two of the largest agricultural producers, the northern part is the largest producer of potatoes, among others, while the eastern side massively produces crops such as maize and banana,” he said. “It had been difficult for both provinces to trade among themselves but now transport will be made easier”. “Now that the road will be available soon with lights allowing businesses to operate 24 hours, it will increase the residents’ income,” he pointed out adding that it will now be easy for people from Western and Northern Provinces to travel to Kagitumba and beyond without having to pass through Kigali. “It will decrease the traffic jams in Kigali and the distance used to reach to different areas,” he explained. “When I say this, I also mean that the transport cost will decrease, which makes products available to markets for lower price.” Easy access to transport and good prices mean the growth of the country’s economy in general, according to the official. Every trading centre that the road passes by will get additional kilometres of asphalt road to develop its urban areas. The centres include Ngarama and Nyagahanga in Gatsibo, Mimuri in Nyagatare and Rukomo in Gicumbi. According to the minister, other roads promised be the Head of State include Ngoma-Bugesera-Nyanza road slated to begin in July and Base-Rukomo road which will be completed by the end this year too. editor@newtimesrwanda.com
