Users of the recently upgraded Kigali-Rubavu highway have welcomed the installation of public lighting on the road, which was completed toward the end of last year, saying it is a major boost to security.

Travellers local leaders and residents say some areas such as Shyorongi in Rulindo District and Buranga in Gakenke, among others, had become dens for  criminals.

"Having lights on this road is a good development. I was reluctant to ferry passengers who went beyond Musanze town whenever darkness fell. This means more business for me,” said Jean de la Paix Manirakiza, a taxi motor operator in Musanze town.

Manirakiza says he always got passengers going to Gakenke during the night but he had always turned them down for fear of being waylaid by robbers.

"Now that the road is lit, I can work even during the night and this will help increase my income,” he said.

Another truck driver who only identified himself as Peter said that gangs had used darkness along the road to steal cargo from their trucks while they parked.

"In the last few days since they lit up the road, the change is noticeable. The road is clear and criminals have nowhere to hide,” he said.

He added that the lighting will also help contain accidents on the road.

"This is a hilly region where rains are often characterised by thick clouds which used to cause accidents,” he added.

Prosper Mulindwa, Rulindo District vice-mayor in charge of economic affairs, said the street lighting will, besides enhancing security, help increase economic activity, especially in towns along the highway.

"Some trading centres have already benefited from street lighting and businesses are operating longer hours,” he said.

Mulindwa added that since this road is used by many tourists either heading to track mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park or those going to the resort town of Rubavu, beautifying it was essential.

The project was initiated in August 2012 by the ministries for Local Government and Infrastructure.

The lighting project, which covers 114 kilometres of the total stretch of the road, which is 148 kilometres, cost Rwf7.9 billion.