The long-awaited redevelopment of Musanze taxi park is expected to be completed within the next three years, according to Northern Province Governor, Maurice Mugabowagahunde. Speaking to The New Times, the governor acknowledged that the current facility no longer meets the needs of the rapidly growing tourism city. It is true that the taxi park is old and no longer aligns with the current development of Musanze district, he said. The district is being upgraded in phases, and the taxi park redevelopment is part of Phase Three, which includes the construction of 47 new buildings. ALSO READ: Musanze Genocide Memorial set for expansion Local authorities said JALI Investment Ltd, the company managing the existing taxi park, will oversee the construction of a modern transport terminal aligned with Musanze's urban development vision. We have given the contractor three years to complete the project, Mugabowagahunde said. The new facility will be a large, modern building with adequate space for transport services and other businesses, including a rooftop entertainment venue. The governor said the project is expected to be completed by 2029 as part of broader efforts to modernise the city. According to him, the project's concept design is in its final stage of validation and awaits review and approval by the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA). Once the design is approved, construction works will commence, he said. The new taxi park, designed by Kenyan engineers, will have capacity for up to 110 vehicles, including 80 coaster buses and 30 other vehicles, nearly double the current capacity of about 60 vehicles. JALI Investment spokesperson Simon Muhirwa said the final project cost will be determined once structural designs are completed. Residents and transport operators welcomed the planned upgrade, saying it will help ease congestion and accommodate the city's continued growth. As of today, it is not easy to find parking space, said David Mayira, a bus driver operating on the Musanze–Rubavu route. Expanding the taxi park is essential to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles entering and leaving the facility. Alice Niwemwiza, a resident of Muhoza Sector, said the current taxi park no longer reflects Musanze's status as one of Rwanda's secondary cities and a major tourism destination. The taxi park is outdated compared to those in other upcountry towns, she said. As a secondary city and the country's tourism hub, Musanze deserves a modern transport terminal similar to those in Rubavu and Huye.
