Nearly 12 kilometres of new asphalt roads and 6.6 kilometres of standalone drainage systems were constructed in Huye City during the past five years, and more are coming, a development that is progressively changing the face of this secondary City in southern Rwanda.
Everything, including street lights, cost up to Rwf9.7 billion and the District is closely working with the supervisor and contractor to complete all outstanding works before June 30, 2021.
Among others, a new drainage system in the City's Rango neighbourhood is near completion to prevent the destruction caused by deadly floods.
François Hakizimana, a bodaboda cyclist in the area said that because of the new asphalt road, mud and dust are no longer a hindrance, and he is hopeful.
He said: "The more development gets to our area the more we are able to get clients and more income. Slowly, things are getting better."
All this is the impact of the Rwanda Urban Development Project (RUDP), an ongoing World Bank-funded project meant to provide better roads, street lighting and drainage systems. The project aims to provide an integrated package of support to address challenges associated with Rwanda’s urbanization: access to basic infrastructure to promote livability and local economic development; upgrading unplanned areas to promote inclusive urbanization; and supporting Districts to engage with the private sector and enable economic development.
The WB injected $95 million and the government of Rwanda contributed $5 million; for all the six secondary cities and parts of the City of Kigali.
Ange Sebutege, the Mayor of Huye District, is happy because, among other things, the Rwabayanga area of the city which used to be an ugly dumpsite next to a bushy ravine that was a den for thieves, has been revamped.
A new road with street lighting, footpaths and proper drainage was constructed and the entire area smartened to prevent downstream erosion and possible landslides.
Sebutege said the Rwabayanga ravine, located just below the city's main market, was a security risk in terms of harbouring thieves, in addition to being a risk for landslides but this was corrected.
City authorities now want to further beautify the place by turning it into a green modern park to protect the environment.
He added: "The roads ease movement as they have pedestrian walks and lights. Our city is now surrounded by roads that ease movement for city residents."
"Our emphasis is on continuing advancing and promoting Huye city as a good secondary city. We are keen on supporting locals in advancing their welfare. There are many investing opportunities too."
The clean atmosphere is appreciated by roadside small-scale businesses as well. Claudine Mushimimana, a tailor at the Nkubi trading centre noted that before the new asphalt road in front of the shops where she operates from was constructed, the dust would be unbearable.
"Our main means of transport is the bicycles and these too move easily and faster now."
Lately, Huye City has about 80, 000 residents but the number is projected to reach 120,000 in the next five years.
In the near future, Sebutege sees the City "as a knowledge and culture hub" as there are plans to increase the student population in the Huye Campus of the University of Rwanda.
"We want to position Huye as a centre of knowledge and culture. The economy here is based on consumption and we also want services to be brought nearer to people. Huye is advancing as per the national vision."