*Kigali Airport readies for heavy traffic
*Presidents to meet on MDG’s on Sunday

As international delegations and advance parties of several Heads of State expected in the country begin to arrive, the country has finalised plans to accommodate the big number of international guests expected in the country for Monday’s inauguration ceremony.

According to Ignatius Kabagambe, the Director General in the Ministry of Information, international delegations had started arriving in the country while Presidential advance teams were already in the country to prepare the ground.

"People have started arriving here. We have teams already on the ground to prepare for the arrival of the Presidents.

The Presidents are expected to start coming in by Saturday evening,” Kabagambe told The New Times.

Upon arrival, the African Heads of State are expected to meet President Paul Kagame on Sunday to discuss the progress and way forward on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

President Kagame co-chairs the UN MDG advocacy group; a team of prominent people whose task is to oversee the progress in the achievement of MDGs and give appropriate advice to the Secretary General.
The UN boss will be represented by his advisor on MDGs Prof. Jeffrey Sachs.

As the co-chair, President Kagame will convene the meeting of African leaders, not only to review the progress but also share experiences country by country and adopt a general African position that will be presented to the UN during the September General Assembly.

Later on Monday, the African leaders and heads of different continental and global organisations will join thousands of Rwandans at Amahoro National Stadium to witness the historic inauguration of President-elect Paul Kagame.

Over 100,000 people now are expected to flock the stadium on Monday morning to witness the ceremony that will be characterised by pomp and colour. Over 65, 000 people will be inside the stadium while the excess will follow the proceedings from the ultra-modern broadcasting screens that will be strategically positioned outside the stadium.

According to Kabagambe, those who will not be able to go to the stadium can follow the events on the national radio and TV, while others, particularly outside the country can follow the ceremony streaming live on  www.orinfor.gov.rw.
Countrywide, people will gather at village level where local celebrations have been organised by communities with the support of government. The plan is to make the day a mega celebration beginning from the grass root levels.

Meanwhile, the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA) yesterday said that it is ready to handle the heavy traffic forecasted with over 16 heads of state expected in the country.

According to Richard Masozera, the RCAA Director General, the airport is in position to handle the excess traffic.
"According to the information and the numbers we have been given, we will be in position to handle the traffic. The airport is more than prepared,” said Masozera declining to delve into the details of who comes with a Presidential jet or not.

"That information can be availed by the Directorate of State Protocol. They are the ones with the information,” Masozera said.

Ends