As expropriation and demolition works begin to pave the way for the expansion of the Giporoso–Masaka road, it is clear that several major properties along the route will be affected. The government has allocated over Rwf16 billion to support the expropriation phase of the 10-kilometre Prince House–Giporoso–Masaka road upgrade, set to be implemented in the 2025/26 fiscal year, according to information shared by the Ministry of Infrastructure. ALSO READ: Valuation of 530 properties affected by Giporoso–Masaka road upgrade begins At least 530 properties are expected to be affected by the project, which aims to widen the road from two to four lanes and construct a flyover on a busy section to ease traffic congestion. The total cost of the Chinese-financed project stands at 437.12 million Chinese yuan—equivalent to about US$60.5 million (Rwf86 billion). During a visit to the site, The New Times identified some of the prominent properties marked with an “X” sign, indicating they are slated for demolition, while others are already being pulled down. Hilltop Hotel and Country Club Located about five minutes from Kigali International Airport, parts of Hilltop Hotel and Country Club have been marked for demolition. The hotel, which offers accommodation, conference halls, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and gym, has several structures which include a security checkpoint near the entrance—bearing demolition signs. ALSO READ: Govt earmarks Rwf16bn for Prince House-Giporoso-Masaka road upgrade Adversity Motor Garage and Car Wash Across from Hilltop Hotel, part of Adversity Motor Garage and its adjoining car wash station are also affected. Some nearby buildings have already been demolished. “We will not relocate because only the car wash section will be demolished. We’ll continue operating in the remaining part,” said Venuste Mutijimana, a worker at the garage. Come Again Bar and Restaurant Sections of Come Again Bar and Restaurant, including its fence and outer area opposite Prince House, SP Petrol Station, and the KFC building, have been demolished. The bar remains operational using the unaffected part of the premises. Several adjacent buildings between the bar and SP station have also been pulled down. ALSO READ: Giporoso-Masaka road expansion to feature flyover Impala Resto-Bar Part of Impala Resto-Bar, located near the former La Palisse Nyandungu, has been demolished. Several houses between Impala Bar and La Palisse are also being cleared on both sides of the road. Blue Gear Machinery Ltd The Blue Gear Machinery Ltd building, located opposite Hilltop Hotel, has been marked for demolition. The company deals in agricultural, construction, industrial, and heavy-duty machinery and spare parts. Rubis Petrol Station Part of Rubis Petrol Station at Ku Mulindi is also marked for demolition, with an “X” sign clearly visible on one of its structures. ALSO READ: Masaka-Giporoso road to be expanded to four lanes Electric Vehicle Charging Station The EV charging station near the SP Petrol Station has also been marked for demolition as part of the road expansion works. SP Petrol Stations: Will they be affected? Several SP Petrol Stations are located along the stretch to be expanded, including one opposite Prince House. Some nearby buildings have already been demolished, raising questions about whether the SP stations will be relocated. When contacted, an SP official told The New Times, “Such information is confidential.” Uncertainty over Nyandungu eco-park Officials from the City of Kigali and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) did not confirm whether Nyandungu Eco-Park, which lies close to the road section earmarked for expansion, will be affected. Minimex and Legacy Clinic Buildings Emmanuel Biregeya, an official from Legacy Clinics, said their newly completed buildings will not be affected, though he did not clarify whether any portion of their property had been expropriated. Jean-Marie Vianney Musonera of Minimex, a maize processing company, said they had not been informed if their property would be affected.
