The City of Kigali council has approved the 2015/16 Budget, worth Rwf17.8 billion, of which 70 per cent will go toward infrastructure development.

"All ongoing projects are in line with priorities such as transport, water and sanitation, environment, justice, ICT, social protection, urbanisation, youth and others,” Dr Dieudonne Sebashongore, the council’s chairperson, said.

They include affordable housing in such areas as Kinyinya, Ndera, Batsinda II township Rugarama and Agatare in Kiyovu.

Other areas are master plan implementation symposium, Geographical Information System (GIS) data management, training and periodic updates, as well as training and sensitisation on the master plan.

Also in the pipeline are recreational parks and sports facilities, mapping and development guidelines and follow up of Kimironko urban development, street lighting, and relocation of MAGERWA and Nyabugogo car park.

The development projects will also finalise the refurbishment of City Hall, and maintenance of street lights and roads at Rwf4.4 billion, while water and sanitation infrastructure project as well as de-silting of Nyabugogo River and Kinamba culverts will also be handled.

Dr Sebashongore said: "We faced some challenges in infrastructure where funds from sponsors delayed while expropriation and compensation were not carried out in a proper manner.”

The Director of Planning in the City of Kigali, Norbert Kamana, said the 2014/15 Budget, which amounted to Rwf17.4 billion, was absorbed at more than 88 per cent.

He said the City will avail studies for road infrastructure development and institute new ones for improvement of seven junctions to curb traffic jam.

The City will also conduct a study for Kigali Ring Roads –those that will encircle the city to help passengers from provinces to continue to other parts of the country without necessarily passing through the city centre.

To improve commuter services, Kamana said 10 new routes will be opened, while 50 new buses with at least 30-seat capacity, and 400 buses with operational free WiFi 4G LTE acquired.

To prevent terrorism and fire outbreaks, 60 commercial buildings, 27 financial institutions, 32 schools, 70 public buildings, 98 hotels, bars and restaurants, 64 health facilities and churches will be installed with appropriate security equipment, he added.

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