Kirehe Residents Lament Losses Over Deteriorated Road Linking them to Ngoma District

By The Inspirer.

Residents of Gahara Sector in Kirehe District are expressing frustration over the deteriorating condition of the road connecting them to Ngoma District. The road, spanning 22 kilometers from Cyunuzi to Mutenderi Sector in Ngoma District, has significantly hindered transportation and caused financial losses for local farmers.

According to interviews conducted by IGIHE, residents highlighted the challenges they face as trucks struggle to navigate the poor road conditions, leading to frequent breakdowns and delays in transporting their harvests.

Celestin Zirimwabagabo, a resident of Kivogera Village in Butezi Cell, emphasized the road’s worsening state over time, leaving them stranded and exacerbating their losses.

The deteriorating road conditions have also affected local traders, who now purchase produce at lower prices due to transportation difficulties. Prices have dropped from the usual 400 Frw per kilogram to 250-300 Frw per kilogram.

Over several years, we have diligently raised this matter with our leaders, yet regrettably, no tangible action has been initiated. Inclement weather renders the roads virtually impassable, significantly impeding the mobility of cyclists and motorcyclists. Moreover, transporting crops to the market presents formidable obstacles, with produce often fetching lower prices.”

Venancie from Rwabarimba Village in Cyasesa II Cell raised concerns about the road’s impact on access to water and the excessive dust during sunny days, urging government intervention.

Similarly, Leonie from Cyasesa II Cell stressed the importance of a well-maintained road for their livelihoods and called on authorities to address the issue promptly.

Kirehe District Mayor, Bruno Rangira, acknowledged the challenges faced by residents, noting previous attempts to repair the road. However, he lamented bureaucratic hurdles that hindered progress.

Despite these challenges, Mayor Rangira highlighted ongoing efforts to secure funding and engage stakeholders in the road’s rehabilitation. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, particularly with the impending heavy rains likely to worsen the road’s condition.

We have completed the planning phase and are currently raising funds for the road construction. In the meantime, we’ve engaged in mobilization efforts, including community work through Umuganda, collaborating with members of the private sector to transport soil to the necessary areas for road repair,” stated Rangira.

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