Residents of Nkombo Island in Rusizi District have received a new boat promised by President Paul Kagame to ease transport and trade across Lake Kivu.
The boat was handed over to residents on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, during a ceremony attended by Rusizi District Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs Alfred Habimana and officials from the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA).
The vessel, which cost more than Rwf250 million, can carry 51 passengers and up to five tonnes of cargo.
The new boat is expected to make travel and the transportation of goods easier for residents of Nkombo Island, particularly those travelling across Lake Kivu and to other parts of the Western Province.
For a community that depends heavily on water transport, the vessel is expected to improve connections with other areas, making it easier for residents to access markets and services and transport goods.
The handover fulfils a commitment made by President Kagame to support residents of Nkombo with improved water transport.
The new vessel is also expected to strengthen commercial links between Nkombo and communities around Lake Kivu by providing additional capacity for both passengers and cargo.
