KIGALI - The European Union (EU) yesterday signed an additional Rwf 3.9 billion contract with the Ministry of Finance and Planning to finance the rehabilitation of the Ruhengeri-Gisenyi Highway.

The ongoing repairs to this road started in July 2007 however the extra amount is required to cover needs that had not been realized at the signing of the initial contract.

"A project of this magnitude inevitably requires to be revised. We realized that extra materials were needed and more changes to the specification of the road were essential,” David MacRae, the Head of European Commission Delegation to Rwanda said at the signing ceremony.

"We are happy with the progress that has been made so far and have responded positively to government’s request for extra funds to cover additional needs that have come up in the course of the works.”

The funds will among other activities be used to include a spur-off at Gisenyi to the Lake Kivu harbor and improvement to the cornice up to the frontier with Goma.

The new road has high safety measures and will have a width of 7 metres to enable two trucks to bypass each other easily. According to a statement issued by the ministry, describing the state of the road, side pavements and widened areas have been included to enable the local population move safely.

The Minister of Finance and Planning, James Musoni welcomed this effort towards development of Rwanda’s infrastructure adding that the new road will promote Rwanda’s programmes of regional integration since the road connects directly to eastern Congo.

"We assure you that this money will serve its purpose and together we will try to transform the social and economic welfare of Rwanda,” Musoni said.

Present at the event were Infrastructure Minister, Linda Bihire and East African Commercial Manager for Strabag among others.

The total cost of the new road is approximatelyRwf35 billion. The government contributed Rwf4 billion and the Rwf31 billion was contributed by the EU.

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