Works on Bugesera International Airport will be launched tomorrow, the Ministry of Infrastructure has said.

This will officially flag off the construction works on the $818-million proposed facility that will serve as main airport for the country. It is located in Bugesera District, Eastern Province.

The Minister for Infrastructure, James Musoni, told The New Times that the launch will involve the official ground-breaking and laying of a foundation at the construction site.

"This is the best time to officially launch the construction works of the facility that was conceptualised back in 2009,” Musoni said.

He said the new expansive modern facility will be in position to accommodate the growing air traffic as Rwanda is developing into a conference and a business hub.

"The proposed airport will increase global connectivity as well as support the country’s ambition of becoming a hub for ICT-based services as well as a finance and transportation hub,” he said.

In September 2016, government signed an agreement with Mota-Engil Africa, a Portuguese-based firm, to develop the project.

The airport will be constructed in two phases. The first phase will cost $414 million and is expected to be completed by December 2018.

The facility is initially targeting to handle 1.7 million of passengers every year, and will later be upgraded to accommodate 4.5 million passengers annually at an additional cost of $400 million.

The Portuguese company is undertaking the project under a public-private partnership on a 25-year concession, with an optional 15-year extension.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw