The Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) has launched a modern passenger boat to ease travel and improve connectivity for residents of Nkombo Island in Rusizi District.

Branded as a "Water Taxi," the vessel provides a long-awaited transport solution for the island community, which has faced significant mobility challenges for years when traveling to and from the mainland.

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According to RTDA, the boat is designed to streamline travel between Nkombo Island, Nyankumbira, and Rusizi-Budiki. With a capacity to carry 51 passengers and 5 tons of cargo, the vessel completes the journey within 40 minutes.

"It is equipped with adequate maritime safety gear—including life jackets, cameras, and fire extinguishers—and has a maximum speed of 12 knots," the transport agency stated.

The new transport facility is expected to benefit a wide range of commuters, including local farmers transporting their produce to markets, as well as students and traders.

Alfred Habimana, Vice Mayor of Rusizi District in charge of Economic Development, emphasized that the new boat will support Nkombo Island residents as construction continues on a larger, upcoming vessel—which will be the largest on Lake Kivu once completed.

"Nkombo residents have historically relied on wooden boats that are unsuitable for transport and lack sufficient capacity," Habimana told The New Times on Wednesday.

To further ease the transition, the Vice Mayor noted that round-trip transport fees from the island to Kamembe sector have also been reduced from Rwf 1,500 to Rwf 1,200.

He added that the new boat is equipped to travel safely at night and during rainy weather.

Jean Kubwayo, a local resident, welcomed the new boat, expressing how traveling in comfort will also significantly improve safety.

"Many of us have used wooden boats ever since we were born, but with this modern boat, transportation is going to be both easy and affordable," he said.

He also thanked the leadership for the boat and other socioeconomic support the island community gets.