The Do-nou technology, a Japanese technique for repairing roads, is boosting transport capabilities and providing skill and business opportunities to the youths in rural areas of Rwanda. The term "Do-nou” is a Japanese word meaning wrapping soil in a gunny bag. The Do-nou technology, originally used as a breakwater during disasters like typhoon in Japan, has been set up as road repairing technology.

Through a project "Sustainable Youth Employment through Road Improvement taking Locally Available Material Based Approach (2nd Phase)” which is funded by the Government of Japan in the amount of USD 260.000, the Do-nou technology was introduced to Rwanda by a Japanese non-governmental organization, "Community Road Empowerment (CORE)” This project transfers the Do-nou technology and provides business opportunities to the Rwandan youth not only to improve feeder roads but also increase non-agricultural employment opportunities for the youth.

A team of citizens work on the later stage of the road using o-nou technology. / Hudson Kuteesa

The first phase of this project started in 2016, with 168 youths and now in the second phase, 50 youths are working in two sectors of Ruhango District. At the end, around 200 young Rwandans in four districts of Nyaruguru, Nyamagabe, Ruhango and Rutsiro will be equipped with this road repairing skill.

On Thursday last week, H.E. Mr. Takayuki Miyashita, Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, inspected a few sites in Ruhango District, where a number of youths received training to repair roads by themselves and tamped down the Do-nou bags while singing.

In an interview with the media, Ambassador Miyashita said, "The Do-nou technology is very suitable for Rwanda because there are some feeder roads which are very difficult to be maintained and developed. This technology is not only affordable but also simple, so everyone can use and participate in the works”. Rusilibana Jean Marie Vianey, Vice- Mayor in charge of Economic Development in Ruhango District, said, "The project is followed with interest by the district and found that citizens in Ruhango District benefit from it. We are always following different development projects to see if there are much benefits for our citizens. If there are, we will accept them”. He added that by testing, the project proved to bring benefits for the citizens in many ways since it uses materials that are available in our community”. Rusilibana continues to praised the Do-nou technology for easing the difficult situation of the locals living near the roads with bad condition as well as for employing the youth.

Felicien Barakira, one of the youths working in the project, said that when he finished training, he can create his own job.

Alice Ndayishimiye, an another youth in the project, said, "In our residences, we did not know how to establish roads in a sustainable way. This technology is good because when you use it, you are confident of the permanency of the road.”

Yvonne Sifa, an engineer in the project, said that the youths are encouraged to make their own businesses after the project, and can use their skills for employment.