Kigali, 15th April, 2014-The Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Infrastructure is in the process to upgrade the Rubavu border post to meet the required standards for a proper functional border post.

The existing facilities at la Corniche Border Post commonly referred to as “Grande Barrière”, between Rubavu (Rwanda) and Goma (Democratic Republic of Rwanda) has become archaic, which requires the upgrading to reduce the overall transit time for cargo and passengers.

The project will cover the construction of border post facilities including the main building to accommodate all services, passenger car parking and handling facilities, warehouses as well as the heavy trucks transit parking in order to improve border crossing efficiency; and cut down unnecessary costs due to duplication of operations.

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Mr. Christian Rwakunda, says that the border post will significantly enhance the mobility of people and goods at the border to promote cross border trade and thus intensify regional economic growth through the promotion of market integration, infrastructure and industrial development as well as enhanced competitiveness.

The border post will be upgraded in line with the Rubavu District master plan and standards of other border posts.

In order to enhance market integration and industrial development, improving the performance of transport has been identified as a key driver. And as such, it is expected that efficiency and reliability of transport will be achieved by addressing infrastructure limitations, operational inefficiencies, better policies and procedures and border development.

The Howard Buffet Foundation, a US based organization has expressed interest to finance the project.

The key stakeholders in this project include Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Rwanda Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, Ministry of Trade and Industry and Rubavu District.