The government of Rwanda has set aside US $15m for upgrade of roads in the City of Kigali ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Dr Ernest Nsabimana, the city Vice Mayor in charge of Urbanisation and Infrastructure confirmed the report and said works has already started in some parts of the city.
The roads set to be upgraded include; the Kabeza-Alpha Palace, Nyabisindu-Nyarutarama roads as well as the road from Gasabo District head office to Migina, and Kigali Conventional Centre-Kimihurura-Rwandex road. Four junctions, including Sonatube, Giporoso, Gisimenti and Kimironko are also expected to get a facelift.
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Road project
“The road upgrades are aimed at avoiding traffic jam during CHOGM. Considering that this one is going to be bigger, it requires a lot of preparation in the form of putting in place some specific infrastructure. That is the budget for construction of roads and junctions alone. However, more money is expected to be spent on street lighting and painting,” said Pudence Rubingisa, the City Mayor.
The road projects expected to be completed by the end April 2020. In addition to the upgrades, the mayor said, the city is working on improving the quality of service delivery in the hospitality industry to cater for the high number of delegates that is expected.
The CHOGM 2020 will be held at the Kigali Convention Centre during the week starting June 22, around the theme ‘Delivering A Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming’. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rwanda is preparing to receive up to 10,000 guests during the meeting.
