More shops are relocating around “Corridor” and “Sar Motors” areas in Giporoso to make way for expanded road infrastructure and modern utility networks, as part of the ongoing Prince House–Giporoso–Masaka road upgrade. During a follow-up visit to Giporoso and surrounding areas by The New Times, teams of workers were manually digging tunnels to install water, electricity, and internet lines, while the remaining properties were being cleared for the ongoing road upgrade. Engineers on site are prioritising utility corridors before full road surfacing begins. The installation of fibre-optic conduits and upgraded water systems is expected to reduce future disruptions by preventing repeated excavations once the road is under construction and once it’s complete. Interviews with residents suggest acceptance of the process, which they attributed to early communication, transparent compensation procedures, and well-structured relocation timelines. ALSO READ: Giporoso–Masaka road expansion: Demolition of expropriated properties underway The 10-kilometre project, overseen by the Ministry of Infrastructure, aims to widen the road from two to four lanes and introduce a flyover on one of the city’s busiest stretches to ease traffic congestion and improve mobility toward Masaka. More than 530 properties were identified for expropriation under the project’s first phase, supported by over Rwf 16 billion allocated in the 2025/26 fiscal year. The Chinese-financed upgrade carries an estimated cost of about US$60.5 million or Rfw 86 billion. ALSO READ: Valuation of 530 properties affected by Giporoso–Masaka road upgrade begins Residents and business operators affected by the demolition say the transition, though disruptive, it was manageable, noting that early communication and adequate timelines gave them enough time to prepare. Gidite Uwamahoro, a shop owner in Giporoso, said the relocation was expected and necessary for the area’s development. She noted that while the closure of shops disrupted daily business, many traders viewed the changes as part of a broader transformation of the area. “The demolition of houses signals progress. I have seen other parts of the city develop while this area remained underdeveloped, given the type of structures that were here. Redevelopment was needed,” she said. ALSO READ: Govt earmarks Rwf16bn for Prince House-Giporoso-Masaka road upgrade Uwamahoro added that affected residents and traders had ample time to prepare, explaining that authorities had communicated relocation plans over the past three years, allowing business owners to plan their next steps and identify alternative locations. “We were well prepared because we had been informed in advance that we would have to move. Many traders relocated voluntarily, and no one was forced, neither the house owners nor the city authorities. Everyone made decisions about the timing that worked best for them. This area needs modern shops that align with the country’s vision,” she said. Frank Gasasira, the owner of two buildings along the corridor, said the compensation for his properties was generally fair, though he expressed concerns about the valuation of the land. “The compensation for the buildings was very fair, but the land valuation was slightly low. We tried to appeal, but it was not successful. Still, it helped because the money was provided on time, and we were given enough notice to dismantle parts of the houses and take materials we could reuse, such as doors, iron sheets, and other fixtures,” he said. Gasasira added that the transition was orderly and justified by the need for development. “This corridor serves as the main passage from the airport and forms the first impression of the city. Replacing underdeveloped properties with modern structures is essential, and the upgrade will also ease the heavy traffic congestion that has long affected this area.” ALSO READ: Giporoso-Masaka road expansion to feature flyover During a media engagement last month, the Mayor of the City of Kigali, Samuel Dusengiyumva, outlined plans to ease traffic congestion through the construction of new roads. “In the construction process, some roads will be built to prevent congestion,” he said, giving examples of such roads that will ease the jam, including Kabuga to Murindi to the industrial zone. He added that diversion routes will also be available including one from Rusororo-Gasogi-Ndera-Azam. “A person going to Kimironko, Remera, and such areas can use this route. Someone going to Kicukiro or Nyamirambo, if they use the route from Murindi to Kanombe ex-combatants’ village, then to Busanza, Muyange, and Kagarama, it will help ease traffic.”
