A loan agreement of USD15 million (approx. Rwf11 billion) was on Tuesday signed between the Government and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum.

The loan will finance the construction of the Nyagatare-Rukomo road in the Eastern Province.

Ismail Shyaka Kajugiro, Rwanda’s Charge d’Affaires to the Republic of the Sudan, and Dr Sidi Ould Tah, the General Director of BADEA, signed the agreement.

Speaking to The New Times yesterday, Kajugiro said that upon completion, the road would enhance trade and facilitate farmers’ access to markets for their agricultural products.

"On behalf of the Government of Rwanda and all Rwandans, I thank BADEA for its good cooperation with our country. On its completion, the road will have a significant impact in the economy of the country as it will link two regions of the country (the east and north), enhancing trade and facilitating farmers’ access to markets. The road is expected to reduce the cost of transport in general, create employment opportunities and raise standards of living of the natives of the area,” Said Kajugiro.

Nyagatare– Rukomo road is an existing earth road of 73.3 kilometres in length. It is a segment of the 124.8 kilometre long Nyagatare-Rukomo-Byumba-Base road.

Dr Sidi stated that the loan is destined to help Rwanda increase security and safety in transport sector development of national road networks and its integration.

"The whole plan is all about focusing on the private sector and supporting the country’s 2020 Vision. The road project aims at connecting the central region with other regions and will reduce cost of transport,” the BADEA general director said in a statement.

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