KARONGI - The first phase in the construction of a new extension wing at Kibuye hospital in Karongi District has begun.

The project is jointly funded by the Ministry of Health and Rick Warren’s Peace Plan Ministries and is expected to last 12 months.

In an interview with The New Times yesterday, the district’s Executive Secretary, Yves Ningabire, disclosed that the total budget inclusive of the second phase is estimated to be Rwf5.5billion.

"With the already available funds, we intend to have the first phase complete by the end of next year. Construction work has already begun,” Ningabire said.

Meanwhile, the commencement of the works suffered a major blow early this week when a truck carrying construction material worth Rwf 8 million got involved in a road accident.

Fortunately the driver and conductor, survived the accident. According to police, the vehicle incurred a mechanical problem when it swerved off the road on Tuesday evening.

"There is a possibility that the truck could have been over speeding because of the extent of the damage but there was also brake failure,” police said.

By press time yesterday, the occupants of the ill-fated vehicle were still admitted at Kibuye hospital in critical condition.