KIGALI - THE Minister of Infrastructure, Vincent Karega, yesterday officially inaugurated the first phase of the construction works on several roads in Kigali City stretching up to 34.6km, and expected to cost over Rwf 12.1 billion.

The funds were jointly provided by the central government, Kigali City Council and local residents who provided five percent of the funds.

The event held in Kibagabaga, Gasabo District, marks a section of the 103km to be constructed in the city during the 2010/2011 financial year worth over Rwf 52billion.

Among the roads to be tarmacked are Kibagabaga-Nyarutarama road, Gishushu-Urwego-Automobile Technical Control centre in Remera and Automobile Technical Control centre-Kishanga-GOBOKA, all in Gasabo District where the works kicked off.

Others include Gishushu-UNILAK-Shell petrol station, Nyamirambo-Akumunigo, Rwampara-Gikondo, Police Hospital-King Faisal Hospital, Nyamirambo feeder roads and BRALIRWA-Ziniya-Kiosk roads.
This will bring tarmacked roads to 238km by the end of this financial year.

Karega commended the residents for their commitment in implementing government programmes and honouring their pledges towards road construction works.

He urged them to observe hygiene in the area and harvest rainwater so that they do not destroy the roads once they are complete.

"Together with Kigali City, we will continue developing infrastructure,” Karega who is also a resident of the area said, appealing to both KCC and the contractors to install humps since it’s a residential area to avoid accidents.
In a separate interview, Karega said that about 600km worth of roads will be constructed and rehabilitated countrywide in the 2010/2011 financial year.

Among the upcountry roads are Kamembe-Nyungwe-Huye road, a road on Lake Kivu stretching from Nyamasheke to Rubavu district and Ruhengeri-Kigali roads which are already underway and the rehabilitation of Kigali-Gatuna highway.

"In Vision 2020, infrastructure is one of the priorities; especially electricity, water and roads,” Karega said.
City Mayor, Aisa Kirabo Kacyira urged the residents to apply the same energy used when requesting for tarmac roads to protect them.

Ends