The roads construction project that is going to see 36 kilometres of roads in and around Kigali either built or renovated was launched yesterday in Kicukiro district.

The 24-month project which was kick-started by the Minister of Infrastructure Eng. Linda Bihire, is expected to cost the government around Rwf 17 billion.

Speaking at the launch, Bihire said the roads were well-studied and that quality had been guaranteed since the government had taken the initiative to study the project exhaustively.

"We have had cases in the past where roads were constructed and after a year or two they are dilapidated. That is why we had to be extra cautious in coming up with the specification for the roads,” she said.

Bihire said that this is the reason why there was a delay in the commencement of the project. We wanted to ensure that the quality of the roads is the best.” 

The construction began with the Kanombe airport – military barracks road.

Addressing the residents of the area, City Mayor, Aisha Kirabo Kakira, thanked the residents who have been using this road for the last three years for being patient.

She also thanked President Paul Kagame who, through the Ministry of Infrastructure, has enabled the upgrading of Kigali City roads, adding that the upgrading was going to improve the already good face of the city.

Li Jianbo the General Manager of China Roads and Bridges Corporation (CRBC), the company that was contracted to execute the project, said that the company was going to ensure that they put in place quality roads.

He was optimistic that the roads would improve the lives of the users in the city.

Speaking to The New Times, Innocent Nsengayesu, a resident of Kanombe in Kicukiro district said that he was thrilled that the government had remembered the residents of that area.

"We have been facing transport hardships due to the state of this road; we have at several times been compelled to use the Remera – Mulindi road hence ending up walking long distances to get taxis to go to Kanombe Military Barracks,” he said.

Other roads to be upgraded under this project include; City centre Nyamirambo road, Sopetrade – KBC road, Yamaha – American Embassy road, KBC – Prince House road and the King Faysal hospital road.

The last phase of the project will see the adjustments of the Remera – Giporoso and the Kisementi junctions modified into roundabouts to allow the easy flow of the traffic which has lately increased, especially during the rush hours.

Ends