The construction of roads in Musanze town is near completion. The upgraded roads network is  expected to attract investors and spur development in the district, officials said.

Rwanda Transport and Development Agency (RTDA) sanctioned the works in Musanze city last year.

This is the first phase which comprises 15 km and covers part of the stretch from Musanze town to the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College at Nyakinama and other roads around town.

The project is estimated  at a tune of Rwf7 billion, according to the officials.

The second phase, of 10km, will start thereafter, with both phases budgeted to cost Rwf12 billion.

Construction works were initially expected to be completed in May.

Eng. Alphonse Kamugisha, in charge of urban roads development at RTDA, told The New Times last Thursday that all works are almost completed. ‘‘Following our physical assesment of works, we are at 90 per cent and hope that we will complete construction by end of this month,’’ he said.

Some streets in the town centre were completed, with the road to Nyakinama is near completion.

According to Kamugisha, the Musanze works are part of a wider project to construct more urban roads in secondary cities and in some districts.

The plan is to construct at least a 4km road network in each secondary city.

The government has received over $100 million from World Bank to facilitate infrastructure development such as roads, water and electricity, among others, he said.

Apart from secondary cities, Kamugisha says RTDA is also constructing a 4.5 km of tarmac road in Gicumbi and plans are underway to construct another road in Karongi District.

Musanze District mayor  Jean Claude Musabyimana said the image of the city has changed thanks to the new roads.

Businesses and residents said the construction of the roads was long overdue, adding that it would boost business in the district and contribute to the area development.

"It is good that we have new tarmac roads in the city, the image of the city has changed and movement has become easier. We are hopeful other infrastructure development will follow suit and that more investors will come in to do business,” said Emmanuel Izabayo, a businessman.

Musanze is one of the six designated secondary cities across the country as laid out in EDPRS II,  to off-load the pressure on Kigali, and to manage the needs of a growing population while still delivering quality service to all Rwandans.

Other secondry cities include, Muhanga, Huye, Nyagatare, Rusizi and Rubavu which are spread  in all the four provinces.

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