Kigali, 27 May, 2019: Minister of State in charge of Transport, Hon. Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye held a field visit in Northern and Western Provinces from 23 to 26 May 2019, with the aim of engaging consultation with Provincial and local authorities to bring them into the planning of implementation process of key presidential pledges relating to road infrastructure projects made to the people during the visit of the President of the Republic of Rwanda,H.E. Paul Kagame, in Northern and Western Provinces from 8 – 10 May 2019.

The visit also aimed at discussing with different stakeholders and take appropriate decisions on strategies to push ahead ongoing road construction works, mechanisms to address pending expropriation claims as well agreeing of new road infrastructure projects to be implemented in Northern and Western Provinces during the fiscal year 2019/2020. Discussion with local leaders focused on the role to be played by each side to avoid any bottleneck especially the compensation concerns for affected population.

Minister of State in charge of Transport, Hon. Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye visited the road stretching from Gaseke to Muyanza (Rulindo District) one of the project pledged by the President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E. Paul Kagame to residents of Rulindo District. 

While visiting the Kinigi - Kabuhanga road connecting Musanze, Nyabihu and Rubavu districts and other ongoing projects under construction, local residents told Minister of State that the construction of this road facility has affected their properties and have expressed anger over the delays to pay their compensation.

Minister of State in charge of Transport, Hon. Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihanganye also discussed with local leaders strategies to address expropriation claims to ensure that all pending issues get solutions. They agreed to meet the concern people and make a detailed database which will lead to a compensation plan.

“You have to cooperate with valuers and submit your claims with reliable data as you want the Government to address you concerns once for all”, Minister of State in charge of Transport Hon. Eng. Jean de Dieu Uwihangaye asked claimants.  

Other major projects to be initiated during the fiscal year 2020/2021 include road networks to connect Musanze District with three hotel facilities in Kinigi including Amakolo Songa Lodge, Gorillas Nest Lodge and Bisate Lodge.

In Rubavu District, the Minister of State in charge of Transport further visited the Serena- Marine- Brasserie road under rehabilitation and urged the contractor to speed up works. He also visited different urban roads to be constructed under phase II of Rwanda Urban -Development Projects in City of Rubavu as well as key access road facilities and by-pass to start construction of studies by 2019/2020.

Minister of State in charge of Transport visited the ongoing construction works for Rubagabaga and Satinsyi bridges between Ngororero and Nyabihu Districts and the access road to Classic Lodge in Nyakinama. He also visited Jenda- Nyiragikokora road linking the Kigali – Rubavu main road to Gishwati forest.

Necessary measures have also been taken to restore damaged spots on Kigali - Rubavu road. Minister of State in charge of Transport further urged local leaders to ensure the hygiene and cleanliness of the road facilities.

“Ensuring cleanliness and hygiene is a key quality parameter if we want to attract more investors in our respective districts”, he told local leaders.