The expropriation process for the construction of the road linking Masaka logistics hub in Kicukiro District to the upcoming international airport in Bugesera has gained momentum after the Rwamagana District Advisory Council approved nearly Rwf3 billion for residents whose properties will be affected. ALSO READ: Over $26m to support trade under Kigali logistics platform project The district council convened an extraordinary meeting on Friday, May 1, to discuss key issues related to the construction of the Masaka-Bugesera road under the Kigali Logistics Connectivity Development Project. The road project will affect part of Rwamagana with over a stretch of 13 kilometres. The district council has approved compensation worth Rwf2.97 billion for 683 properties. ALSO READ: 10 things to know about proposed Smart Airport City in Bugesera According to data from the World Bank, which is financing the project through the International Development Association (IDA), the entire project is estimated to cost more than $100 million (approx. Rwf150 billion). Among the resolutions adopted by the district council was the validation of the list of people to be relocated to pave the way for the road’s construction. ALSO READ: Giporoso-Masaka road upgrade: More businesses relocate “The road project affects some 13 kilometres exclusively in Nyakaliro Sector. It will pass through the Masaka urban area,” Richards Rwamunono Kagabo, Vice Mayor of Rwamagana District in charge of economic development, told The New Times on Sunday. He said the project is significant because it will directly benefit nearly 80,000 residents in Nyakaliro and parts of Muyumbu sector of Rwamagana District, including the Nyarukombe and Bujyujyu areas. “There are also indirect benefits extending as far as Murehe and Karenge sectors, whose connection to Kabuga and Masaka will be shortened,” he added. Compensation is expected to begin within 15 days, with payment handled by the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA). The Kigali Logistics Platform Connectivity Development Project will upgrade about 70 kilometres of roads connecting the Masaka logistics hub to Bugesera. The road will also connect to the Bugesera Industrial Park. ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Construction of Rwanda’s new airport in Bugesera The project comprises four road sections: Masaka–Kabukuba (16.88 km), Kabukuba–Nyamata (13.72 km), Gahembe–Kindama (19.21 km), and Kabukuba–Riziyeri (19.64 km). The project aims to improve resilient and safe connectivity from the Kigali Logistics Platform in Masaka to regional logistics corridors, while supporting local and regional economic activity along the route. It will also finance activities aimed at enabling local communities in the three districts affected by the project — Bugesera District, Kicukiro District, and Rwamagana District — as well as small and medium enterprises operating in the project area, to benefit economically from the upgraded roads. In addition, the project will support the construction and upgrading of four selling points in selected villages and sectors along the roads, including Musenyi, Mareba, Nyamata, and Rilima. A warehouse and e-commerce hub will also be established. ALSO READ: What determines property value in expropriation cases? District officials said the road has long been in poor condition, becoming muddy and slippery during the rainy season and dusty during the dry season, making travel difficult for road users. Residents from Eastern Province are expected to benefit from easier access to Bugesera without having to pass through Kigali. District authorities have encouraged residents to prepare to take advantage of the economic opportunities expected to emerge along the road corridor, noting that the route will attract significant traffic and demand for goods and services.
