From 5^th to 6^th September 2020, Minister of Infrastructure, Honourable Claver Gatete held a day field working visit in Musanze, Nyabihu and Rubavu Districts to assess the status of existing infrastructure projects as well as the progress of the ones in pipeline as a way of preparedness for the upcoming heavy rains.

During the visit, Minister of Infrastructure was together with the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Energy Group, Director General of Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) and local authorities.

Among other projects visited include Nyamutera bridge linking Musanze and Nyabihu Districts.  Minister Gatete and Governor Gatabazi assessed the progress of emergency rehabilitation works that are expected to be complete by mid October 2020 while the study for a long-plan on the project is under development. Nyamutera bridge is among projects under construction in a sustainable manner to ease connectivity in the region

Minister Gatete and the delegation also visited Giciye bridge which was rebuilt after the recent heavy rains to enable pedestrians from the area to access Shyira Hospital. They also conducted an inspection of Shyira road connecting Musanze, Nyabihu and Gakenke Districts. The road is expected to improve service delivery to the citizens in the region.

The delegation visited power substations including Camp Belge Substation, Nyabihu substation and Rubavu substation. Once these projects are completed, they will enhance stablise and strengthen power network. The supply electricity to Kinigi in Musanze and Rubavu District and others places in the northern and western provinces will be effective and efficient. The substation in Rubavu has a 220kv transmission line that will improve power supply in Rubavu, Nyabihu and Rutsiro and export to Goma hence harnessing power trade between Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Rwanda.

Minister and the technical team visited Prime Cement Ltd that commenced its commercial production by 1^st September 2020. The new US$65 million mega cement factory constructed in Musanze District started producing 1. 800 tons’ average per day, targeting to double capacity to 3000 tons by in October same year.

Minister the team also visited the 56MW Shema Lake Kivu power plant that is expected to add 17MW on grid by June 2021 for the first phase. Shema Power Lake Kivu Project is a Public-Private Partnership initiative between Government of Rwanda Shema Power Lake Kivu Limited (SPLK ltd) for the concession of 25 years for a financing of US$200 million. The project is expected to be complete by June 2022 adding the full capacity of 56mw to the national grid. The current overall project progress is 40%.

They also visited other ongoing projects Gihira Water Treatment Plant that will increase water production to 23,000m³ per day. The existing plant under rehabilitation produces 8,000 cubic meters, constructing a new one that will produce 15,000 cubic meters per day and expected to be completed end September 2020.

On the same day, the team ended a two day working mission at Muhira IDP Model Village that will house 120 families from high risk zones in Rubavu district.