RUBAVU - The construction of five kilometres of roads in Rubavu town is set to boost cross-border trade between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The European Union, through the Ministry of Infrastructure will finance the construction of two roads leading to the border this year.

"EU provided the resources and construction will commence before the end of the year,” said Sheikh Hassan Bahame, the Mayor of Rubavu.

On average, 3,000 Rwandans cross to the DRC daily to conduct business while slightly over 2,000 Congolese cross into Rwanda.

"Infrastructure, especially the road network, is key to development. We hope Rwandan traders find business much easier after we complete the roads,” Bahame added.

Various businesses are carried out across the two borders, but women mostly trade in food commodities.

Bahame said that once the roads are complete, the district would embark on another project to tarmac 13 more kilometres.

"When the roads are complete, we plan to build stores in the no-man’s land for easy access to commodities by traders and consumers which will help farmers access the market,” explained Bahame.

Besides boosting trade, revenues for the district will also increase.

Rubavu collects more taxes than any other district in the Western Province.

However statistics show that although Rubavu and Rusizi districts collect more revenue, they are however weighed down by smuggling.

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