Kigali Industrial Park is seeking a government permit to build a parking facility for up to 400 trucks in Masoro, Gasabo District, after the project remained stalled for about three years.
The lack of a designated truck parking area has become a growing challenge for drivers operating in the industrial zone, with many forced to park along roads that were not designed to accommodate heavy vehicles.
The situation has raised concerns over traffic flow and road safety, particularly in an industrial park that receives thousands of workers and visitors every day.
Gasana Jeanne Isabelle, head of Kigali Industrial Park, said the planned parking facility would accommodate up to 400 trucks and provide additional services designed to improve conditions for drivers.
The project includes accommodation for at least 60 truck drivers, a restaurant, a clinic and public toilets.
“The parking was planned to accommodate 400 trucks. We also planned accommodation for at least 60 drivers, as well as a restaurant and a clinic,” Gasana told Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA).
Gasana said the additional facilities are intended to give truck drivers a safer and more convenient place to rest while accessing essential services.
She said the scale of activity at the industrial park makes such infrastructure particularly important.
“More than 25,000 people are in this industrial park every day. Accidents can happen in a factory, which is why we planned a clinic, restaurant and public toilets,” she said.
Project ready but awaiting approval
According to the management of Kigali Industrial Park, most of the preparations for the project have already been completed.
The land for the facility is available, the required studies have been conducted and funding has been secured. However, construction cannot begin until the necessary permit is issued.
“The land is available, the study has been completed and the money is available. There is no problem with funding. The only remaining issue is the permit,” Gasana said.
The delay has meant that trucks continue to use roads within the industrial park as makeshift parking spaces, creating additional pressure on the road network.
Gasana has called on the relevant authorities to expedite the approval process so that the project can move forward.
“The truck parking problem is very serious, and we would like to receive support so that the government can help ensure the project is implemented,” she said.
Government promises long-term solution
Minister of Trade and Industry Antoine Marie Kajangwe acknowledged the shortage of truck parking at Kigali Industrial Park, saying the government is working with relevant institutions to address the problem.
Kajangwe said the land is expected to be allocated to investors by July 2027 for the development of the planned infrastructure and other activities.
The proposed facility is expected to reduce the number of trucks parked along roads inside Kigali Industrial Park while improving safety and providing drivers with access to basic services.
For the industrial park, securing the required permit remains the key step before the long-awaited 400-truck parking project can finally move from planning to implementation.
