Kayonza has earmarked Rwf 485 million to the construction of major and feeder roads in the towns of Mukarange and Kabarondo. The move is part of the Government’s commitment to rehabilitate the general road network, to give the district a facelift and facilitate socio-economic activities. John Mugabo, the Mayor of the district, told The New Times, yesterday, that rehabilitation and tarring of all feeder and urban roads would be a major boost to development in the area. Mugabo said the district had already engaged a contractor to undertake the project, adding that the roads would also improve the beauty of the towns. He reiterated commitment to having a good road network across the district. “We have started the construction works in the two main towns. Feeder roads across the district are also under construction”. “Improvements in the feeder roads network will help increase the productivity of rural small- holder farmers, stimulate economic activity and alleviate poverty in the rural areas where about 80 per cent of the population resides,” he said. Mugabo further said car parks, public markets and general infrastructure development remained a top priority. “It is all in the framework of the district master plan…the infrastructure development will take about Rwf11,379,695 of the overall budget. We will see to it that more and more sub-urban areas become more urbanised”. Boniface Ntirenganya, the in charge of Planning in Eastern Province, said other districts had similar plans to develop infrastructure, adding that these changes could accelerate development in communities. “A few years from now, the buildings in the district will obviously look different…the good road network will also facilitate agriculture and trade. There are some farmers unable to sell their produce at the right prices due to inpassible roads,” he said. Rwanda’s budget for the fiscal year 2015/16, which starts today, will prioritise infrastructure development for social and economic transformation. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
