The Ministry of Infrastructure has launched a project to upgrade the dual carriage 13.8 kilometre long Sonatube-Gahanga-Akagera bridge road.

Launched yesterday, the project will cost about Rwf48 billion thanks to a concessional loan from Exim Bank of China to the government of Rwanda.

Launched yesterday, the project will cost about Rwf48 billion. Emmanuel Kwizera

Comprised of a four-lane express way, the project is expected be complete in 12 months.

Presiding over the launch, Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye, the Minister of State in charge of Transport, said that construction had been planned to be complete in 24 months but was reduced to 12 in order to align its implementation timeline with that of the Bugesera International Airport, which is under construction.

Officials walking in Sonatube-Gahanga-Akagera road that will be constructed for 2 years. Emmanuel Kwizera

Uwihanganye says the road will ease traffic jam and improve access to the new airport.

"As you see, this area is also developing so fast, so the upgraded road will ease the movement of both pedestrians and motorists,” he said.

According to Wang Jiaxin, the Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of China in Rwanda, the project is one of the deals that were signed last year between Rwanda and China.

"It will play a big role in Rwanda’s transformation and development effort,” he said.

Parfait Busabizwa, the Vice Mayor of City of Kigali in charge of Economic Affairs, said that Rwf6 billion will be spent on expropriation.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com