Broken bridge hampering business in Ruhango

The washing away of a bridge connecting the districts of Kamonyi and Ruhango at one of the inlets of River Akanyaru, has left farmers counting their losses as they are unable to access neither agro-processing industries nor the nearest markets.The bridge that was washed away by flash floods in December 2011 is yet to be repaired. Among the most affected are rice growing cooperatives in Ruhango District that cannot transport their rice paddy to a processing plant situated in Kamonyi.Similarly, cassava growers in Kamonyi cannot access the cassava mills that located in Ruhango. The few who can afford to transport their produce take longer and remote routes, though most cooperatives have resorted to storing their produce as they await the repair of the bridge. Jean Marie Munyanziza, the president of COPRORIZ, a rice growing cooperative based in Mukongori marshland, told The New Times that his members have to dig deeper into their pockets to store their produce and risk another harvesting season with no solution at hand to restore the bridge. “People from Ruhango used to shop at our markets because they are bigger and nearer, but they have since been blocked.Both districts are notably reluctant to take the lead in rebuilding the bridge, according to residents.When reached for comment, Kamonyi district Mayor, Jacques Rutsinga, said that no funds had been set aside for infrastructural activities hence the delay in repairing the bridge.“Reconstruction of the bridge, along with some connecting roads, was estimated to cost Rwf800 Million, which was not available at the district. We have raised the problem with the central government and preparations for reconstruction are underway,” he said.

National

Broken bridge hampering business in Ruhango