The government plans to upgrade three road junctions in the City of Kigali starting from July 2025 so as to ease urban transport, according to the Minister of Infrastructure, Jimmy Gasore. While delivering a presentation to a general assembly of the National Consultative Forum of Political Organisations (NFPO), on Thursday, December 19, Gasore said that the upgrade will start with three road junctions – Chez Lando and Gishushu in Gasabo District, and Sonatubes in Kicukiro District. His presentation focused on national policy and strategies for public transport, especially in Kigali. “Designs were completed, we project that in July, we will start [road junction upgrade] with Chez Lando and Gishushu,” Gasore said, adding that the same applies to the Sonatubes junction. ALSO READ: More four-lane roads, 43 flyovers planned for Kigali Chez Lando Gasore said that an underpass will be constructed such that a person [driver] coming from Gishushu heading to Kigali International Airport [in Kanombe] passes below vehicles moving on a road overhead. ALSO READ: Is it possible to unlock Kigali's peak-hour jam? A technical feasibility study commissioned by Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) recommended, among others, the construction of a 740-metre-long underpass, according to RTDA’s environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) for the project. Gishushu For the Gishushu road junction, Gasore said, there will be a flyover bridge from Simba Supermarket such that buses using the existing road pass underneath it. The recommended intervention consists construction of a 500m-long flyover bridge. Sonatubes Regarding the Sonatubes road junction, Gasore pointed out, there will be an underpass [tunnel] from the Ministry of Health offices, before moving up from the area where Rwanda Tourism University College (RTUC) is located. The technical study commission by RTDA recommended the construction of 620m long underpass tunnel in line with the junction improvement. ALSO READ: Six things to know about Kigali urban transport improvement project In a broader context, the three junctions’ upgrade is part of the Kigali Urban Transport Improvement (KUTI) project meant for easing transport in and around the country’s capital, through interventions including reducing congestion and long queues prevalent at most major junctions during peak periods. On December 4, AfDB Group announced that its Board of Directors approved a loan of $100 million (approx. Rwf140billion) to Rwanda for the implementation of KUTI. As per data from RTDA, the project implementation period was expected to be five years from loan approval, with its overall cost estimated at $279 million (approx. Rwf386 billion). ALSO READ: Kigali to pilot dedicated bus lanes in six months The objective of the project is to enhance the efficiency, inclusivity and safety of road transport mobility. Planned activities include the upgrading of some road junctions – Chez Lando, Gishushu, Gisozi (Kinamba area), Nyabugogo, Rwandex, Sonatubes, and Kibagabaga, availing designated bus lanes, cyclist lanes, overhead pedestrian bridges, and easing movement of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
