Residents of Gakenke District have renewed calls for the construction of the long-awaited Giticyinyoni–Ruli–Gakenke tarmac road, saying years of delays are driving up transport costs, hurting businesses and slowing economic development.
The 68.7-kilometre road, which will link Kigali to parts of Rulindo and Gakenke districts, was first announced in 2014. It is expected to run from Giticyinyoni through Nzove, Ruli and Rushashi before terminating in Gakenke.
In 2021, the Ministry of Infrastructure announced that construction would begin. However, progress has remained stalled, and part of the route was closed in 2023 to facilitate the construction of the Nyabarongo II hydropower project.
Residents of Ruli Sector say the prolonged delay has left them bearing the economic burden of travelling on a deteriorating road.
“We were promised that the road would be paved from Giticyinyoni through Rushashi to Gakenke. A completion timeline was even announced, but it has repeatedly been pushed back. We desperately need this road,” one resident said.
According to residents, the poor condition of the road has significantly increased transport fares. A motorcycle trip between Ruli and Kirenge, a distance of about 32 kilometres, now costs around Frw10,000, a fare they say is largely driven by the road’s deteriorated state.
Roadside traders say they are also suffering losses, particularly during the dry season when dust from passing vehicles covers goods displayed for sale. Some residents say they are sometimes cited for poor hygiene despite operating under challenging conditions caused by the dusty road.
They argue that completing the road would reduce transport costs, improve market access and accelerate economic activity in the area.
Gakenke District Mayor Vestine Mukandayisenga acknowledged the delays, attributing them to funding constraints.
“We are still mobilising the necessary resources. Once funding is secured, the tarmac road will be constructed. When the President commits to a project, it is ultimately delivered. This road is essential for the area’s development, and both residents and the district are eagerly awaiting it,” she told Radio 1.
The proposed road passes through Kanyinya Sector in Nyarugenge District, Shyorongi Sector in Rulindo District and several sectors in Gakenke District, including Ruli, one of the district’s designated urban growth centres.
According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, approximately Frw52.7 billion is required to finance the project, with funding yet to be secured.
