Works on stalled city projects to resume

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• By Fred Ndoli

Construction works on an array of stalled infrastructural projects in the city will resume soon.

Speaking to The New Times Thursday, Kigali Vice-Mayor in charge of Finance and Economic Development, Alphonse Nizeyimana, said most of the development projects underwent a review which resulted in the delay.

Among the mega projects that came to a standstill include a Rwf50 billion project to put up 500 housing units in Gacuriro, Gasabo District, due for completion in May this year. The houses will be funded by the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB).

The Kigali central sewerage system that was slated to be completed this year also came to a standstill due to lack of funds. 

According to city officials, the $70 million (approx. Rwf 42 billion) project would be completed next year once negotiations with the European Development Bank are complete.

“Some of the projects like RSSB’s Rwf50 billion project have been going through changes. There are some Indians updating the designs. We hope to kick start most of those projects this year,” Nizeyimana said.

He further disclosed that 11 plots out of 20 located in lower Kiyovu, Nyarugenge District which covers an area of 13 hectares have already been taken up.

“We are also currently looking for developers who would want to invest in these nine remaining plots. It’s just a matter of time,” the Vice Mayor said.

Last year, city authorities had told The New Times that some developers involved in a number of projects to redevelop the city were struggling financially. 

According to the authorities, the city receives many project proposals and issues construction permits though construction works are yet to kick off due to financial constraints.

City officials attribute the challenges to the high cost of credit, high interest rates and inability to secure long term loans.

The City of Kigali authorities have appealed to the government to come up with a special mortgage facility geared towards boosting the implementation of the master plan.

Nizeyimana is, however, optimistic that in spite of the prevailing hurdles, the first phase of the implementation of the master plan due to be completed by 2015 would be met.