Muhanga: New Asphalt Roads Bring an End to Nighttime Robbery

Residents near the newly constructed asphalt roads in Muhanga, spanning over 6 kilometers, report a significant decrease in theft, which used to be rampant at night and in the early morning hours.

Simon Ntigurirwa, who lives near the Cyakabiri-Misizi road in Shyogwe sector, explains that before the road was built, traveling at night or early in the morning was risky due to thieves taking advantage of the darkness to rob people.

He said, “Before this road was constructed, we constantly heard cries from people who had been robbed, either early in the morning or in the evening, because the thieves would hide behind trees, banana plants, or houses and ambush those on their way home or heading to work.”

Ntigurirwa adds that the new streetlights along the road have made a big difference, virtually eliminating the theft problem in the area.

He said, “You can see that I live right by the road, and theft was a major issue here due to the darkness. But now, things have changed with the installation of streetlights, and I haven’t heard of anyone being robbed here recently, whereas before, not a day went by without someone raising the alarm.”

Leopold Shumbusho, who lives near the Marie Reine-Station Gemeka road in Nyamabuye sector, notes that before the road was constructed, theft was common near the Jehovah’s Witnesses church as you crossed to Ruli. However, the new streetlights have put an end to these incidents.

He said, “Before this road was built, you couldn’t pass by the Jehovah’s Witnesses church at 7 PM or 4 AM because thieves would be lurking. People were always getting robbed in the evening or early morning, but after the road was completed, the streetlights solved the theft problem. Additionally, vehicles now pass through here frequently as they travel to places like Ruhango, Nyanza, and Huye from Kigali, using this road instead of going through the main city center at Muhanga bus station.”

Muhanga District Mayor Jacqueline Kayitare confirmed that the new roads have resolved many issues, including the problem of theft.

“The asphalt roads built in Muhanga city, apart from enhancing its appearance as a neighboring city to Kigali, have also addressed the issue of theft that used to occur at night or early in the morning. It has also made it easier for people to find motorcycle taxis, especially during the rainy season when mud made it difficult for motorcycles to operate,” she said.

She added that to continue improving Muhanga city, which is one of the cities surrounding Kigali, more asphalt roads are planned for construction in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, particularly in the Gahogo area.