Construction of a 29 kilometre road network off the Kigali-Rusumo highway in Kabarondo was launched on Tuesday, with officials saying the road will help unlock investment potential of the Eastern Province.

The long-awaited road will connect key establishments in Eastern Province, including Akagera Game Park, Rwinkwavu Hospital and Wolfram and Tin mining companies.

The road, being constructed by Ecotibat contractors at a cost of over Rwf700 million, is expected to be complete within six months.

Provincial governor Odette Uwamariya, who presided over the launch, said the construction of the road was long overdue.

She added that the long term plan was to pave all major roads.

"This is an important road that links our people to areas that offer employment and health facilities. It will open economic engagement with the rest of the country and the world,” she said.

Uwamariya said all districts of the province had earmarked funds from their budgets to construct over 275 kilometres of feeder roads.

"At least 25 per cent of our districts budgets will be allocated to construction and refurbishment of roads,” she said.

Jean Baptiste Mpingane, an official of Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), said the road works will be closely supervised.

"The road is part of the stakeholders’ performance contracts. RTDA and the district have pledged to complete it in time, so we will keep a close eye on the contractor,” he said.

Jes Gruner, Akagera National Park manager, said the road would improve the already booming tourist industry in the country because tourists need access.

Rwinkwavu Hospital director Fulgence Nyikabahizi said the new road would give patients easier and faster access to medical assistance.

"Some ambulances broke down due to the poor road, so the new smooth road will make a difference. Patients will be able to reach the hospital in time,” he said.

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