Residents and businesspeople in Karongi District have called for the rehabilitation and upgrading of urban roads as part of broader efforts to improve the connectivity and boost tourism in the lakeside town. Janvier Ntwali, Managing Director of Bethany Investment Group and Head of the Rwanda Hospitality Association (RHA), said that poor urban road infrastructure remains a major challenge for investors and tourists, emphasizing the need to upgrade access roads linking hotels to the main business area. “Good urban roads are critically needed in Karongi town,” Ntwali said. “Many investors lack proper access roads to their plots—where they plan to establish businesses—a major obstacle to investment and tourism.” ALSO READ: Musanze, Karongi to get new waste treatment facilities According to the hotelier, the poor state of roads still frustrates potential customers as well as businesses located along Lake Kivu. “Infrastructure, like roads, access to sufficient safe water, and reliable electricity are vital for boosting tourism in Karongi,” added Ntwali. He noted that the rehabilitation of the Muhanga–Karongi road has already led to an increase in visitors. Théogene Munyarugendo, a resident in Bwishyura Sector, expressed similar concerns, emphasizing the need to upgrade access roads connecting key neighborhoods as the town continues to expand. “As a town positioning itself as a secondary city to Kigali, Karongi must improve its access roads,” said the 55-year-old. “This goes hand in hand with establishing proper drainage systems to collect runoff water from the surrounding hills and keep the town clean, especially during the rainy season.” Speaking to The New Times, Julienne Ntakirutimana, the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, said they have plans to rehabilitate urban roads merely in Karongi town. “We conducted an assessment of city road connectivity and found that over Rwf100 million is required,” said Ntakirutimana. “We are working with stakeholders and residents to mobilize the necessary funds for roads linking the main highway to various parts of the town, including hotels and key neighborhoods.” ALSO READ: Rwanda moves to replace aging coffee trees, boost production The official added that access roads vary in length, ranging between five, six and seven kilometers, stressing that the road rehabilitation initiative is being implemented alongside measures to address floods in Karongi, with a drainage system currently under construction expected to channel runoff water into Lake Kivu. “Karongi is surrounded by hills that release large volumes of runoff water, and flooding is an issue we’re seeking to address,” she said.
