KARONGI – The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has taken over repair works at two destroyed bridges on a feeder road linking Karongi with districts in the Southern Province. The district Mayor, Bernard Kayumba, told The New Times, yesterday, that preparations were in final stages to kick start the construction works. “I have been told that the required equipment has been acquired and we expect the rehabilitation work to begin with the New Year,” he said. He explained that the decision was reached after the Ministry of Infrastructure, and Rwanda Transport Development Authority (RTDA) filed a service order demanding for assistance to repair the bridges. Kayumba, however, could not readily disclose the amount of money the reconstruction exercise will cost. The delayed repair of the two bridges had been seen as a major obstacle that had severely affected the transport network in the area, paralysing business. The usually busy road had been rendered impassable, but now residents in the area have a reason to smile as the year comes to an end. “We cannot wait to have the bridges reinstated because it has been difficult to go through this road,” a resident in the area, identified as Theogene Munyakazi, observed. The road also leads to one of Karongi’s most major health facilities and it had become difficult to access the hospital. It is also common to see people being hired to carry passengers on their backs to enable them cross the river. The route is also normally used by traders who deal in agricultural produce such as tea and coffee. sam.nkurunziza@newtimes.co.rw
