The Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) has launched a tender to procure a contractor for the construction of a 60.11-kilometre road linking Bweyeye to Bugarama. Financed by the African Development Bank, the project is expected to provide a reliable transport corridor between the two border towns and strengthen cross-border trade. ALSO READ: Upgrading of Bweyeye road complete The Bweyeye–Bugarama stretch forms part of a broader 215-kilometre tarmac road programme funded through a $260 million loan aimed at improving internal connectivity and linking Rwanda with neighbouring countries. RTDA said the contractor is expected to be selected by the end of May 2026, after which construction will commence. The road will be upgraded to a standard two-lane carriageway, with a width of seven metres. It connects the Bugarama and Bweyeye border posts, providing a key link between Rwanda and Burundi. ALSO READ: Rusizi to host 2026 Race to Remember The wider regional project targets road upgrades in the north-west and south-west corridors bordering Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and is expected to benefit an estimated two million people—about 1.4 million in Rwanda and 0.6 million in Burundi. Completion is projected by 2030, in line with the second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which runs from 2024 to 2029. Meanwhile, rehabilitation works on the Rusizi–Bugarama road commenced in February 2026. Preliminary activities are underway, including the establishment of a crusher site and campsite. ALSO READ: Rusizi town moves to become green city Maintenance is also ongoing on damaged sections to keep the road passable. Plans include paving 11 kilometres of the Rusizi–Bugarama road from Nzahaha to the Kamanyola border with asphalt, while efforts continue to secure financing for the Kamembe–Nzahaha section. Alfred Habimana, Vice Mayor in charge of economic development in Rusizi District, said poor road conditions have been driving up transport costs for people and goods. “These roads are critical to the district’s development. They connect to the Ruhwa border with Burundi and Kamanyola with the DRC. Once rehabilitated, we expect the introduction of bus transport, as many farmers and traders currently rely on costly motorcycle transport between Bugarama and Bweyeye,” he said. He added that farmers from Butare, Gikundamvura and Bweyeye, particularly those dealing in fruit, cassava and rice, stand to benefit significantly. Habimana noted that the upgrade of the Rusizi–Bugarama road will also cut travel time to Kamembe city from about one and a half hours to a much shorter duration. He added that the district anticipates additional gains from events such as the Tour du Rwanda, which could expand to more routes once road works are completed. Pindura–Bweyeye road complete The developments follow the completion of the 32-kilometre Pindura–Bweyeye road, now fully operational. The road links rural Pindura to Bweyeye Sector, traversing Nyungwe National Park and ends at the Ruhwa River on the Rwanda–Burundi border. Previously difficult to navigate and often impassable, the upgraded road has significantly improved access to markets, schools and health facilities. Farmers can now transport produce more efficiently, cutting costs and travel time while improving the flow of goods. The road also strengthens connectivity along the southern corridor linking Bweyeye to Bugarama via Rasano Centre, supporting trade and local economic growth. Improved access is expected to facilitate investment, boost tourism and enhance access to essential services for communities along the route.
