Bugesera District and NPD, in collaboration with their key partners, on August 19, launched the construction and upgrading of a 2.1-kilometer stretch of urban roads within the district's urban area. The project focuses specifically on improving road infrastructure in Nyamata Sector, a key urban centre in Bugesera. The upgraded roads are expected to enhance connectivity, support local development, reduce travel time, and improve access to essential services for residents. ALSO READ: Ngoma-Ramiro road upgrade set to transform freight transport The project is funded by Enabel, the Belgian development agency, demonstrating its commitment to supporting infrastructure development in Rwanda. Bugesera District serves as the executing authority, overseeing the successful implementation of the project in alignment with the district's strategic urban development goals. The project is expected to be completed within about eight months. As noted, road sections slated for upgrade include NR5-CAFÉ, NR5-LAQINTA Motel (formerly Hilton), CAFÉ-RRA-POLICE, NR5-Kacyiru, BT David Clinic-Palast Rock Hotel, NR5-SAVANNAH Guest House, and LAQINTA Motel (formerly Hilton)-Divine Clinic. Some of these roads will be 600 metres long and six metres wide, while others will be 1.5 kilometres long with a width of 10 metres. The latter will include spaces for pedestrians, bicycle lanes, and garden areas. ALSO READ: City of Kigali to build more roads: which neighbourhoods? Frank Rukundo, the Deputy Managing Director of NPD, noted that the company will first explain the project's design to locals to ensure they understand that, although there may be some blockages and disturbances, the project will ultimately create better conditions for easy movement. As NPD, we're committed to providing jobs to the locals. In fact, an estimated 500 daily workers are expected to be part of the entire project, alongside other community support initiatives like Umuganda and contributing to community-based health insurance. It's part of our culture, he added. Rukundo reiterated that the company uses almost 90 percent of locally made materials. This means that those involved in the supply chain, including construction material distributors, will benefit significantly from the project. Bugesera District Mayor Richard Mutabazi noted that Nyamata is among the rapidly growing urban centres in the country, and the project is expected to contribute significantly to the district's broader vision of becoming a hub for economic activity and urban development. We need to work collaboratively—both residents and engineers. It’s essential to support each other in all aspects. If issues arise, such as problems with the equipment, we should communicate effectively rather than complaining to someone who cannot address the problem. We must remain patient, as the project will be completed in a short time, he said. Mutabazi urged residents to take advantage of employment opportunities, prioritise road hygiene and cleanliness, and avoid disorganised or improper housing construction.
