Rubavu, 15th December, 2014-The Government of Rwanda (GoR) through the Ministry of Infrastructure  launched ground breaking ceremony to mark the commencement of Rubavu border post upgrading to meet the required standards of a proper functional border post.

The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Warren Buffett, the chairman of Howard G.Buffet foundation and the chief guest in the presence of Governor Western province, Mrs. Caritas Mukandasira, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA), Mr. Christian RWAKUNDA and the key stakeholders in this project such as Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), Migration, Security organs, Congolese delegation in charge of the border post and Rubavu District officials.

The ground breaking ceremony was held in Rubavu at former La Corniche border post commonly referred to as Grande Barrière”, The existing facilities at la Corniche Border Post 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 MININFRA, Mr. Christian Rwakunda, said 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 that 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 worth USD 9million. The GoR will cover taxes (VAT, Customs and duty fees) estimated at USD 1,729,095 andall expropriation charges.

The execution of works is 8 months and the project is expected to be completed by August, 2015.

Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) shall be the implementing agency on behalf of the GoR and shall closely follow up implementation of the project in conjunction with the Howard Buffet Foundation, the lead financier.