Today on 14^th March at Rubavu District there was held an official launch of Urban Infrastructures in Six Secondary Cities achieved through the Rwanda Urban Development Project – RUDP II, Phase 1.

Financed by the World Bank, RUDP II is implemented by the Secondary City Districts (namely Huye, Muhanga, Musanze, Nyagatare, Rubavu and Rusizi) and the City of Kigali under the oversight of the Local Administrative Entities Development agency (LODA), Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA). The project focuses on construction of asphalt roads, side and standalone drainages, walkways, outfalls as well as installation of street lights.

While officiating this event, Honourable Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy GASORE declared that: “The first phase (of RUDP II) considerably contributed to infrastructure development and increased resilience in our secondary cities. Specifically, in terms of road construction, this phase marks 41km of Asphalt roads and 3.7km of standalone drains constructed across the six Cities”. 

“In addition to the added value of improved connectivity, road safety, and climate resilience, the implementation of RUDP 2 has also supported job creation. The 1^st phase enabled the creation of a total of 4,445 jobs, including 1,959 jobs for women. This demonstrates our shared commitment for gender-inclusive development”, he added on.

The local community commends the Government for easing access and connectivity in the area. “We are strongly indebted to His Excellence the President of the Republic of Rwanda for making this long due road project a reality. Now our businesses are going to flourish, our children are reaching schools fast as movements of goods and services have now become easy”, said Mr. NIYONZIMA Ephrem in jubilation.

On this occasion, the Mayor of Rubavu District, Mr. MULINDWA Prosper urged residents of Rugerero Sector to fully exploit opportunities brought by the 11.3 Km of asphalt roads and the10.03 Km of street light.

Although held in Rubavu, similar infrastructure achievements were equally inaugurated in all the Six Secondary Cities as they were all represented by their respective Vice Mayors in charge of Economic Development.

Launched in May 2022, the 1^st phase of RUDP II has come to completion in February 2024. It considerably contributed to infrastructure development in Rwanda’s secondary cities, the cost of which amounts to 47$ million. It is planned to start the 2^nd phase of RUDP II soon to make more investments in different secondary cities but this time with focus on comprehensive upgrading approach where urban livelihood shall be a priority with a few road infrastructure investments.