RWAMAGANA- A US international Development organisation, ACDI/VOCA, has completed the rehabilitation of feeder roads in Rwamagana district worth $1m (approx Rwf560m).

It completed the last phase of the rehabilitation with a 10km section, connecting Ntunga market in Mwulire to Rubona, which was commissioned yesterday. 

ACDI/VOCA has so far supported the rehabilitation of 27km of farm-to-market roads in the district.

The Ntunga- Rubona road which connects with an 8km section between Nzige and Rubona, had previously been rehabilitated under the same project, according to Robert Rosengren ACDI/VOCA Chief of party.

While commissioning the road, Rosengren advised residents to maintain the road because it is in their interests if the roads are in good conditions.

Dennis Wellar, USAID Director in Rwanda, noted that improved infrastructure helps farmers to access markets in a timely manner. 

Reflecting on his experience in America, where he lived in a poor rural area, he observed that lack of feeder roads hampers development.

"You can now make a choice, something very important in the life of a farmer,” he said. "You can sell your produce to distant areas, using this feeder road. Don’t hesitate to exploit the chance.”

Geoffrey Mushaija, the Executive Secretary of Rwamagana district expressed gratitude to the US donors, who financed and supervised the construction of the road.

Florent Gashagu, a resident of the area said that the long-standing issue of transport has finally been resolved.

"The old road had become impassable; be on foot, bicycle, motorcycle or vehicles. We were actually risking isolation from the rest of the country,” he said. "We are thus grateful to all who contributed to this road.”

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