City seeks US $55m for roads

The City of Kigali is currently in negotiations with the Chinese government for a credit line of US$55m to repair and reconstruction of 47km of city roads.The works were highlighted in the city’s financial year budget that was passed recently.Speaking to The New Times, the Vice Mayor in charge of Finance and Economic Development, Alphonse Nizeyimana, saidd that the prioritises are; BCR junction to Serena, Muhima road from the City round-about to Nyabugogo and the expansion of Remera to Rwandex.Kanombe and Nyamirambo roads will also be rehabilitated at a tune of Rwf13.2 billion. “We are projecting to start the construction next year in January. Currently we are still in negotiations and we hope Chinese companies will undertake the task” The city officials recently endorsed a budget of Rwf39.6 billion for the 2012/2013 fiscal year with 70 per cent allocated to infrastructural development. 59 per cent of the total budget will come from the government.According to Nizeyimana, development of infrastructure, energy and water sectors would accelerate the economic development of the city.“We are embarking on road construction because we believe infrastructure is the driving force for the city’s development,” Nizeyimana said.The road network in Kigali covers about 1000km, but only less than 220km is tarmac.

National

City seeks US $55m for roads