Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva and Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore have been given six months to present solutions to persistent challenges affecting feeder roads, particularly poor water management. The decision was announced on Tuesday, March 31, by MP Judith Mukarugwiza, Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Economy and Trade, during the presentation of a report n findings from the Office of the Auditor General of State Finances on the condition of feeder roads and related infrastructure. ALSO READ: Drainage system must be fixed before damage becomes irreversible Mukararugwiza said the Prime Minister is required to present, within six months, a coordinated plan from relevant institutions outlining measures to address damage caused by poor water management, which continues to affect roads and citizens’ property. The Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) was also tasked to report, within the same period, on steps to improve the performance of youth-owned companies involved in feeder road maintenance to prevent further deterioration. ALSO READ: Proposed feeder roads in Kigali 'will ease' public transport woes Presenting the findings, Committee Chairperson Théogène Munyangeyo said the assessment focused on the state of feeder roads, the condition of bridges used to transport produce to markets, and the impact of inadequate drainage systems. He noted that a significant share of District Class 2 feeder roads is no longer motorable, citing districts such as Nyabihu, Nyagatare and Kamonyi, where 50 to 95 per cent of roads are in poor condition. The report also highlights widespread potholes and gullies in districts including Nyamasheke, Kamonyi and Rwamagana, as well as blocked drainage channels due to vegetation overgrowth, which disrupts water flow and damages roads. ALSO READ: Over 100km of drainage to be built in Kigali Munyangeyo added that defects in drainage systems, largely linked to rainwater, continue to degrade infrastructure. Cases of embankment failure were also recorded, including along the Kivuruga-Mbatabata road in Gakenke District. Some roads lack pedestrian crossing slabs over drainage channels, limiting safe access, while others have poor compaction, such as the Ruyenzi-Gihara-Nkoto Phase II road in Kamonyi and the Karangara-Gishari Flower Park road in Rwamagana. The committee also raised concerns over the implementation of the 2017-2027 feeder roads policy. According to Munyangeyo, the Ministry of Infrastructure initially targeted the construction of 9,065 kilometres of feeder roads by 2027. However, only 4,202 kilometres had been completed by March 2026. Under the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), projections show that just 500 kilometres will be completed by 2029 due to limited resources. On coordination, the Ministry of Local Government said districts report defects on national and District Class 1 roads to the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), while District Class 2 roads are maintained by districts depending on available resources. Officials acknowledged the absence of a comprehensive feeder roads database, which continues to affect planning and monitoring. MININFRA said RTDA is working with the Rwanda Information Society Authority to establish a Road Asset Management System, with a complete database expected by July 2026. The ministry also cited challenges in implementing Design Build Maintain Output and Performance Based Road Contracts, financed by partners including the World Bank Group and the African Development Bank. Authorities identified 1,735 critical sites requiring urgent drainage interventions. So far, 527 have been addressed, while the remaining 1,208 will require an estimated Rwf111.2 billion. As part of its intervention, the government is promoting cost effective bioengineering solutions, including the use of trees and grass to stabilise soil and improve drainage. MPs call for coordinated action During the session, MP Venuste Icyitegetse said lack of drainage channels remains a major issue, with unmanaged water destroying the roads. He called for a joint programme involving the ministries of infrastructure and environment, the Rwanda Water Resources Board, and districts to ensure drainage systems are integrated before roads and bridges are constructed. “Roads built without proper drainage are bound to be damaged,” he said, suggesting that maintenance contracts for youth-led companies should include drainage works and skills development for sustainable results. He also urged the use of technology, including the road asset management system, to improve maintenance and enable faster response to minor damage before it escalates. MP Anastase Nabahire, Chairperson of the Committee on Governance and Gender Affairs, warned about the impact of soil erosion on water resources. “Our rivers are becoming polluted as they carry away soil, yet water is a resource we should be conserving for irrigation during dry seasons,” he said. MP Hope Tumukunde pointed to practices in Sahel countries, where limited rainfall is effectively harvested and used. She suggested Rwanda adopt similar approaches to better manage water, prevent disasters, and support irrigation during dry periods.
