Rwanda’s transport system centres primarily on the road network with a total of 14,000 km of roads, of which over 1,000 km are paved, linking the capital Kigali and most other major towns. While the major urban arteries of Kigali, as well as the high streets in Ruhengeri, Kibuye and Gisenyi are dual carriageways, all national long distance roads are single carriageway. Rwanda has no intercity motorways. The government has invested heavily in transport infrastructure with aid from international donors, and recently upgraded and resurfaced most of these routes.
However there is still room for expansion and investors have several large-scale investment opportunities to take advantage of in this sector. The Rwanda Investment Export Promotion Agency (RIEPA)is therefore promoting the following projects.
1. Name of project: Kigali city road network construction development
Project description
The Kigali city and Road Maintenance Fund proposes the construction of a combination of asphalt, stone and new earth roads under this project. Below are the specifications for the roads, expected to span a distance of over 214km.
Asphalt 60km
Stone 100km
New earth road (City outskirts) 54.4Km
Cost of project: An estimated US$75 million
2. Name of project: Kigali – Gatuna road
Client: Ministry of Infrastructure and the Road Maintenance Fund
Project description
The 77km asphalt Kigali – Gatuna road connects Kigali and the eastern
province to Uganda, a key trading partner. Increased working hours at the Gatuna border post have added traffic flow which has consequently upped demand for good roads.
The investor shall provide the capital amount for construction of the national highway and thereafter based on the agreed rate of return be reimbursed by the government. This is a secured investment guaranteed by the government of Rwanda which is willing to negotiate rate of returns.
Cost of project: An estimated 40 million euros.
3. Name of project: Building a drainage system in Kigali city
Client: City of Kigali
Project description
The project involves developing a modern drainage system that ensures proper sanitation and water flow management in the city. Kigali city is built on undulating hills with steep slopes that aggravate the speed of water flow from rain and other sources. This necessitates the development of a drainage system that ensures the city does not flood, and is also eco-friendly.
Client’s expectation from potential investor
• Develop drainage system plans
• Construct the infrastructure
The investor will receive a negotiated return from the City once the project is complete by latest 2011.
Cost of investment will depend on the outcome of a preliminary study to be carried out jointly by the investor and the City of Kigali.
Other
investment opportunities in infrastructure
The government, within the framework of the private sector development, is promoting the following opportunities:
• Private road constructions
• Water transportation facilities
• Airport ground handling services
• Airlines maintenance
• Utilization of modern and efficient equipment to facilitate transit transport: Cargo scanners and electronic cargo tracking system along transport corridors.
• Waste collection and recycling disposals at airports
• New Bugesera airport (pre-feasibility study is available)
For further information on any of the transport sector opportunities contact RIEPA
Key contact: Christine Akuzwe
Investor Mobilizer officer.
Email: info@rwandainvest.com
