KIGALI, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda has announced plans to reduce traffic congestion within the Capital Kigali, by expanding motorists' lanes, as the country witnesses rapid city growth.
The much-anticipated roads expansion project across the city is expected to start in January, according to City of Kigali authority.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Parfait Busabizwa, vice mayor in charge of economic development, in the City of Kigali, said that the roads expansion project is set to cover about 54 kilometers, mainly targeting expanding roads to a dual carriage way with two lanes on each side.
"There is traffic congestion in Kigali which reduces the volume of traffic, thereby creating a negative feedback loop that creates more backups. Congestion not only costs city-dwellers' time, but also leads to frustration and occasionally road accidents," he added.
Busabizwa stated that the entire project to relieve the city off traffic congestion is expected to cost about 76 million U.S. dollars, and the Chinese firm, China Road Bridge Corporation, has been contracted to do the work.
The project is expected to address traffic jams, especially during peak hours (mornings and early evenings). This has largely been attributed to narrow roads and lack of bypasses and alternative routes connecting various parts of the city.
Rwanda's Capital Kigali, has been transformed into a vibrant and a model city in Africa, from being the cleanest and spotless city in Africa to a beautiful and serene environment coupled with breathtaking infrastructural developments.
Kigali City is a well-organized and clean city which won an international award for being clean in 2011. The city has tidy gardens and no rubbish on its streets. The residents take part in cleaning the city every last Saturday of every month.
Under the smart Kigali initiative, the government seeks to establish online automated navigation system for direction using the newly implemented street and home addressing information system.
Kigali remains on track to attaining the status of the 'center of urban excellence' in Africa by 2040.
The city is ranked 10th most livable city in Africa with a good city development master plan.
