NGOMA/BUGESERA - Economic activity and movement of people has been affected by the collapse of a bridge that links Rukumberi and Gashora sectors along the Ngoma-Bugesera road.

The bridge, which was constructed in 1982, collapsed over the weekend when a Bugesera bound truck was crossing from Ngoma.

The bridge crosses River Nyabarongo at a point near River Akagera. However, no casualties were reported as the bridge collapsed under the weight of truck loaded with sand.

Speaking to The New Times, Francois Ntiyotwagira, the district Mayor, said that they had warned motorists against crossing the bridge because it was risky.

The Mayor revealed that one driver survived narrowly when his vehicles plunged into the river. He said that the district would work to repair the bridge as soon as possible to restore economic activities.

Jacques Gashumba, the Executive Secretary of Gashora Sector, said the collapse of the bridge was a major blow to economic activities in the two districts..

"The collapse of the bridge has significantly affected road users and economy of the two districts. Food crops used to cross every day to and from the two districts. Vehicles from Kigali too, cannot pass,” he said.

Businesses near the bridge are waiting eagerly for that traffic to return.

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