The secondary cities include Muhanga, Huye, Rusizi, Rubavu, Musanze and Nyagatare.

Under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), the Government of Rwanda targets to increase urbanization rate to 30% in 2024 to support economic growth.

Some of infrastructures built in such cities include roads, water drainage channels, electricity, markets, schools, health facilities among other activities supporting national development.

In light of initiatives meant to promote infrastructure development, the country launched the first phase of Rwanda Urban Development Project [RUDP I] in 2016 which was completed in 2021.

Some of activities covered during the phase include the upgrade of slums in Kigali City in the areas of Biryogo on 12.46 hectares, Kiyovu on 20.1 hectares and Rwampara on 26.42 hectares.

Speaking at the launch of the second phase of the project (RUDP II) recently, the Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Ernest Nsabimana said that the magnificence of Biryogo which has a space reserved for A ‘Car Free Zone’ convinced authorities to consider the extension.

The Minister explained that the upgrading of such slums to be equipped with electricity, water drainage channels and roads installed with lights facilitate movements and enhance security as well.

“It is a very good project that inspired the country to consider how to extend it in Kigali and secondary cities,” he said.

Dr. Nsabimana revealed that Rwf160 billion allocated for the second phase of this project have been secured whereby implementation is expected to begin in the near future.

Rwf60 billion earmarked for infrastructures in Kigali

The Ministry of Infrastructure shows that Kigali City will receive Rwf60 billion while the remaining funds will be earmarked for infrastructure development in secondary cities starting with Muhanga and Huye.

In Kigali alone, the project will be executed nearby River Mpazi flowing through the sectors of Gitega, Kimisagara na Rwezamenyo of Nyarugenge District. It will also draw emphasis on eliminating slums in Gatenga of Kicukiro, Nyabisindu of Remera Sector and Nyagatovu of Kimironko Sector in Gasabo District.

These slums will get infrastructures including roads, water drainage channels. Parts of the funds will also be used to preserve marshlands in Rwampara, Gatenga, Gikondo and Rugenge among others in accordance with Kigali City master plan.

The Mayor of Kigali City, Pudence Rubingisa said that such activities will transform residents’ welfare and add up to the magnificence of the city.

He further stated that the projects benefit residents who get jobs and improved wellbeing.

Rubingisa pointed out an example of a project rolled out in Agatare of Biryogo where 9-kilometer roads were built and facilitated movements.

More six-kilometer roads were also developed for pedestrians.

“Biryogo residents have started renovating their houses because the value increased. We are set to do the same thing in the four slums and want the project to move fast so that it can be beneficial to residents who will live in decent places with minimized disasters’ risks,” noted Rubingisa.

The Country Manager of World Bank in Rwanda, Roland Pryce thanked the Government of Rwanda for efficient use of received funds while rolling out projects meant to transform residents’ wellbeing.

Sensitization

The Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Nsabimana revealed that the relocation of residents triggered mixed reactions in the first phase due to mindsets and circumstances under which they settled in these slums.

To address the issue, he explained that more efforts will be geared towards sensitizing residents on the relevance of such infrastructures and advantages they are set to pull from them.

According to Dr. Nsabimana, the move will facilitate relocation and expropriation.

Stretched on 76 hectares and inhabited by 3,915 residents; Nyabisindu and Nyagatovu are among overpopulated parts of the city.

Under the second phase, the areas will get 7.4-kilometer roads.

More 8.2-kilometer roads will be built over River Mpazi to help residents reach markets, playgrounds and other infrastructures easily.

RUDP II will leave 17,621residents from this area accessing basic infrastructures.

In Gatenga, RUDP II will see 11.8 kilometers roads constructed and help 17,621 residents to reach infrastructures in 500 meters.

The funds will also be utilized to mitigate floods in different parts of Kigali including Rugunga, Rwandex, Gisozi, Kinyinya, Karuruma and Nyabisindu while the wetlands of Rugengerwintare, Kibumba and Nyabugogo will be preserved.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Dr. Ernest Nsabimana speaking at the event.

The Mayor of Kigali City, Pudence Rubingisa said that the project will transform residents’ welfare and add up to the magnificence of the city.

The Country Manager of World Bank in Rwanda, Roland Pryce thanked the Government of Rwanda for efficient use of received funds.

The event brought together different officials.