Chinese-Built Road Transforms Lives in Northern Rwanda

A newly completed road in northern Rwanda is improving lives, boosting trade, and opening new economic opportunities for local communities.

For years, residents of Burera District struggled with poor roads that made travel slow and expensive. However, the Base–Butaro–Kidaho (BBK) road has changed that reality.

The 63-kilometre road now links remote areas to major towns, reducing travel time and supporting local development.

Faster Travel, Better Business

Local residents say the road has made daily life easier and business more profitable.

Seth Havugimana, a businessman from Gitare Village in Burera, said travel conditions have improved greatly. Previously, reaching Musanze city could take up to four hours. Today, the same journey takes about one hour.

Because of this, Havugimana can now travel several times a day to buy goods. As a result, his transport costs have dropped and his income has increased.

“Before, it was hard to bring products here,” he said. “Now, I can respond quickly when customers need something.”

Improved Access to Services

In addition to trade, the road has improved access to essential services.

Families can now reach hospitals more easily. Students can also travel to school without difficulty. Previously, poor road conditions often prevented timely access to healthcare and education.

According to residents, these improvements have reduced stress and improved overall quality of life.

Construction and Safety Measures

The BBK road was built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) in partnership with Rwanda’s NPD Ltd.

CRBC handled the 22-kilometre Kidaho–Butaro section. The project team faced several challenges, including steep terrain and environmental concerns near Lake Burera.

To manage these risks, the company worked closely with local authorities. It also carried out road safety training and community awareness programmes to protect residents, especially children.

Boosting the Local Economy

Project leaders say the road is already supporting economic growth in the region.

According to BBK project director Thierry Muneza Kamuhanda, the road is expected to handle about five million vehicles each year. Increased traffic often leads to new businesses and services.

As a result, petrol stations, shops, and restaurants are beginning to emerge along the route. Tourism is also expected to grow, especially because the road runs near Lake Burera.

Furthermore, about 10 percent of the project’s investment went into labour. This created jobs and increased household incomes during construction.

Skills Transfer and Long-Term Impact

The project has also helped build local skills.

Bruce Semana, a Rwandan staff member at CRBC, said the project gave him practical experience in management and communication. He joined as a young graduate and gained valuable skills while working on the road.

“This area was once among the poorest,” he said. “Today, Burera is one of the fastest-growing districts. Roads make the difference.”

Project Nears Completion

The Kidaho–Butaro section is now largely open to traffic. Final construction works are ongoing.

The entire BBK road project is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Once finished, it is expected to continue driving economic growth and social change in northern Rwanda.