by Ji Li, Frank Kanyesigye

KIGALI, March 10 (Xinhua) -- As we navigated the Muhanga-Nyange road about 50 km southwest of Kigali, the Rwandan capital, we were held in awe by the beautiful view of the mountains in the distance and the precipices close by.

We were equally amazed by the difference one year can make, thanks to Stecol Corporation, the Chinese construction firm contracted to rehabilitate and widen the 29-km transport corridor connecting Rwanda's Southern province with the Western and Northern provinces.

The dusty, potholed gravel surface that we saw last time has now been replaced with asphalt, as workers put finishing touches to this major infrastructure project.

"The road construction project is advancing steadily, creating over 400 jobs for local residents and significantly improving the region's infrastructure," says Jiang Pengfei, the project's general manager.

About a quarter of the overall physical work is now done, and the road is expected to be fully completed by September next year, said Jiang, 41.

He started working in Rwanda in April last year, but has been in Africa since December 2010, first briefly in Libya, and then for about 13 years in Kenya.

"Once the road is completed, transportation speeds will greatly increase, and local residents will enjoy greater convenience in their daily travel," he said. "I believe the biggest highlight of this project is that, through design optimization, we are creating a safer driving environment for all vehicles using the road."

The radiuses of the curves have been lengthened on the bends and more speed bumps added to improve safety at places with sharp turns and steep slopes.

Lamps, sidewalks and drainage systems have also been put in place to make the road better at facilitating Rwanda's modernization drive, Jiang said.

The local community along the road is also feeling the positive change it brings.

Devotha Kubwayo, a resident of Nyarusange Sector in Muhanga District, shared her excitement about the improved transport conditions.

"The road was in very bad condition, making it difficult to get cars. Now, we are happy with the progress of the construction," she said.

"Before, finding transport to access markets and trade was a challenge, but now, even at 6 p.m., transportation is available," said Kubwayo, about 40.

Margaret Umurerwa, another resident, in her thirties, recounted the difficulties people faced before the construction. "The road was full of potholes, causing accidents and discouraging drivers from using it. Even motorcycle taxi riders avoided it."

"Now, vehicles are using the road, and once construction is completed, transportation will be even better, helping us trade and travel with ease," she said.

Beyond its immediate benefits, the road construction is also fostering career growth for individuals like 40-year-old Fabrice Ngenzi, a secretary at the project.

"Before construction, the road was in poor condition, making travel difficult. But with this improvement, many people can now visit the Western Province, which is a major tourist destination," he said.

Having worked with Stecol for nearly a decade, Ngenzi credits the company for his professional growth and personal achievements.

"When I started working with the company in 2015, I had just graduated from university. Over the years, I have gained valuable experience," he said. "Today, I have a stable income, own a house and a car, and can support my family."

"I feel fortunate to be part of this company," Ngenzi said, praising the cooperation between Rwanda and China.

"Chinese companies are creating jobs and offering technical expertise to Rwandans. We want more of them to come, as they provide opportunities for young professionals to gain experience, especially in engineering," he said. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)