Gakenke district will soon witness major infrastructure developments after members of the Private Sector Federation (PSF) in the district pooled resources to to set up key infrastructure projects.

As a flagship project, PSF members will construct a three-storey commercial building which will host businesses and a conference hall among other amenities.

The complex will cost Rwf800million.

Another building to be constructed is a guest house which will be constructed by a consortium of mining associations operating in the district and this will cost over Rwf300million.

Works on two projects are expected to commence at the beginning of next year.

According to Jean de Dieu Dukuzumuremyi, the president of Gakenke Trading Company, the initiative is long overdue because there is shortage of such facilities.

"The trading centre is too small and the buildings are all dilapidated which gives our town a bad image. We need to operate our businesses from modern structures and also have accommodation facilities for our guests,” he said.

Over Rwf120million has been spent in expropriation for those residing where both buildings will be erected.

The Northern Province Governor Aimé Bosenibamwe hailed PSF members for their commitment in the development of the district.

"It is a good move that you are going to build a guest house. The whole district had no hotel and it was always hard for visitors to have where to spend a night. It is only through public-private partnerships that development can be achieved,” he said.

Bosenibamwe challenged PSF members to continue working together and ensure that they exploit all opportunities at their disposal especially in the areas of mining and agriculture.

The district is known to have a quality coffee and fertile for other various crops. It also has a potential in mining where various minerals are extracted.

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