Kigali, June 18, 2019: The Government of Rwanda and the People’s Republic of China today signed a grant agreement worth US 42.8 million (approximately Frw 38 billion) that will among others, finance the expansion and rehabilitation of 10 km Prince house- Giporoso- Masaka road. Both Governments will engage further in consultations to explore other projects for financing under this grant.

The expansion and rehabilitation Prince House-Giproso-Nyandungu-Masaka will see the road transformed from a two-way two-lane to a two way- four-lane road, a move that will significantly decongest traffic along the road.

Speaking after the signing, the Minister of State in charge of Economic Planning Dr. Claudine Uwera said the road expansion project is part of the ongoing Road expansion in and around the City of Kigali to decongest traffic, ease commuting and ensure business activities are conducted smoothly.

“The road will link Kigali City Center to the Special Economic Zone as well as the Masaka inland port and help reduce time and cost of transport. We appreciate support from the Government of China and look forward to strengthening the cooperation between our two countries,” Minister Uwera said.

China’s Ambassador to Rwanda RAO Hongwei noted that with the rapid development of Rwanda’s economy as well as the surging number of vehicles, traffic congestion has become a problem that not only inhibits businesses but also restricts the potential of Kigali’s long term economic growth.

“The road expansion and rehabilitation project will play a vital role in Kigali’s economic development by reducing commuting time, operating expenses while connecting the Kigali Economic Zone, Masaka hospital, markets as well as residential areas,” Ambassador Hongwei said.

The Government of China has been active in the infrastructure sector, with the completion of Lot 4 and Lot 5 of the Kivu Belt road and the first phase of the Kigali Urban road upgrading project. The Government of China also committed more financing to the government of Rwanda for the Bugesera airport expressway and Huye–Munini road project signed during the state visit of President Xi Jingping in July 2018.