Burera District has embarked on rehabilitation of a 17-kilometre road network expected to ease transportation of agricultural produce to markets within and outside the district.

The laterite road rehabilitation project expected to cost Rwf615 million is financed by the Netherlands embassy in Rwanda.

The road links three sectors namely Cyanika,Rugarama and Gahunga, where Irish potatoes and other crops are mainly grown.

Farmers say transporting produce to markets was previously hard due to the impassable nature of the roads, leading to losses.

Ignace Ngaruye, a farmer said he has been experiencing losses due to the poor roads.

"Our businesses were affected. We were forced to sell our Irish potatoes at Rwf70 per kilogramme, below market price of around Rwf120. Now that the road is being constructed there is hope for increase in profits,” said Ngaruye.

Paul Semwogere, another farmer from Cyanika sector said a lot of their produce wasted away due to poor roads.

"We could not take produce to the market due lack of good roads. Farmers had to carry potatoes on their heads to reach the market which took more time and energy,” Semwogere says.

Innocent Mbarushimana, a truck driver said it was risky to transport produce from farmers in the area.

‘The road from Cyanika to Nyagahinga was in a very poor state. Trucks were susceptible to mechanical breakdown and accidents. I always incurred extra costs on vehicle repair after a trip to the area,” Mbarushimana said.

Roads made a priority

District officials said rehabilitating roads in 2015-2016 fiscal year is a priority.

Joseph Zaraduhaye, the Vice mayor in charge of economic affairs, said more roads will be constructed while others will be rehabilitated.

Zaraduhaye urged residents to protect roads and other public infrastructure to ensure that district development goals are achieved.

Roads will encourage farmers to adopt modern agriculture in order to harvest more produce, according to the official.

"Residents should ensure proper road use and avoid erosion which has been the main cause of damage.

Besides, farmers should put much effort in modern farming to boost production,” Zaraduhaye urged residents

The rural road rehabilitation activities are at 80 percent, according to the officials.

Apart from the road under construction, officials also said that bridges which were also destroyed by heavy rains from the Volcanoes National Park will be rehabilitated.

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