Residents of Gahanga Sector in Kicukiro District have raised more than Frw10 million to rehabilitate the Nyanza–Karembure road, while urging the government to pave the route to provide a lasting solution to years of poor road conditions.
The community-led initiative was carried out during the nationwide monthly Umuganda on Saturday, with residents contributing money, labour and construction equipment to repair the road, which has been plagued by dust during the dry season and severe deterioration during the rains.
The rehabilitation campaign targeted the two-kilometre stretch linking Nyanza to GS Karembure, a key road serving residents and businesses in the rapidly growing area.
André Rurangangabo, who coordinated the initiative, said the funds were mobilised through contributions from residents of the eight villages that make up Karembure Cell.
“This is a road we have to repair regularly because of its condition. What we need now is a permanent solution, particularly a tarmac road. Karembure has developed significantly, with growing infrastructure, and the road should reflect that progress,” he said.
Residents say the road becomes nearly impassable during the rainy season as runoff erodes the surface, forcing the community to organise repairs almost every year.
“In the rainy season, water washes away sections of the road, so every year we contribute money and organise community work to restore it,” said resident Gilbert Uwayisenga.
During the dry season, excessive dust poses another challenge, affecting both residents and roadside businesses.
“When it is dry, the dust is overwhelming. People arriving from Karembure are covered in dust. We are doing everything we can as a community, but we hope the government will support us by upgrading the road to tarmac,” said resident Théodette Ingabire.
Member of Parliament Pie Nizeyimana, who joined residents during the community work, praised the initiative as an example of Rwanda’s culture of collective action and self-reliance.
“The commitment shown by these residents demonstrates the power of unity. Communities are taking responsibility for their own development, and we will continue working with the government to secure a permanent solution for this road,” he said.
The rehabilitation works included grading and reshaping the road, adding laterite, compacting the surface, watering it to improve durability and repairing damaged drainage channels. Residents say, however, that only a tarmac upgrade will permanently address the recurring damage and rising maintenance costs.
