NYANZA DISTRICT is set to spend Rwf2.8bn on the construction of new roads in the district in a move officials believe will further modernise the area.

The construction of the 3.9 kilometre-long tarmac roads is set to be completed by next February, according to officials.

The move follows the construction of another 2.4 kilometre road at a cost of Rwf1.2 billion.

The district mayor, Abdallah Murenzi, said:

"We hope these infrastructures will improve the town as well as stimulate invest ment.” 

"We also hope it will play a significant role in the improvement of the state of hygiene and sanitation within the urban area,” he added.

Murenzi said the district also envisages the construction of another 4km road network in the near future.

The Minister of State in charge of Transport, Dr Alexis Nzahabwanimana, welcomed the move, saying that proper urban planning is an important aspect of development.

"For years, lack of proper urban planning has hampered efforts to modernise and develop our towns. This is a step forward,” Nzahabwanimana said.

He said because of poor planning, the government was faced with heavy bills to pay households  to pave way for urbanisation.

He noted that the construction of the roads, which would follow the release of Nyanza town master plan, is a step forward to building a modern city.

Residents of Nyanza town welcomed the move, saying investments into urban road infrastructures will open up many opportunities for sustainable development.