The Pindura–Bweyeye road upgrade project (32 km), which involved tarmacking, has been completed (100%).

The completion of the Pindura–Bweyeye road upgrade, a 32 Km stretch of tarmacked road, marks a significant milestone in Rwanda's transport infrastructure development. The road, now fully operational, connects the rural areas of Pindura to Bweyeye Sector and runs right through the heart of the breathtaking Nyungwe National Park, ending at the Ruhwa River, where Rwanda shares its border with Burundi. This project was part of the government’s ambitious seven-year National Strategy for Transformation (NST 1), designed to improve transportation, stimulate economic activities, and foster regional integration.

What was done?

The Pindura–Bweyeye road upgrade involved the tarmacking of a 32-kilometer section of the road, which was previously inaccessible and often difficult to navigate. This crucial infrastructure development is expected to significantly improve connectivity and accessibility for both locals and businesses in the area.

Why was this road important?

The Pindura–Bweyeye road has long been a vital link for the Bweyeye community. Prior to the upgrade, residents faced challenges accessing basic services, including markets, schools, and health facilities. Farmers struggled to transport their produce to markets, resulting in increased costs, travel time and delayed deliveries. The upgrade is part of the Rwandan government’s broader vision to improve rural transport infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.

The primary beneficiaries of this project are the residents of Bweyeye and the surrounding areas, including farmers, traders, and business operators. The road upgrade has made travel easier, safer, and more efficient, benefiting individuals who depend on transport for daily activities. With improved access to markets, residents are now able to transport goods like agricultural produce with much less difficulty, lowering transportation costs, and time and improving the flow of goods. Business operators, especially those involved in trade and tourism, have also praised the road’s completion. The upgraded road is expected to attract both local and foreign investors, creating new business opportunities along the corridor.

Residents and business operators have already started to notice the impact of the road's completion. The transformation is visible in the ease of travel time and cost, which is enhancing access to key services. As one local resident, Jean Claude MUHIZI noted: "Before that the road was upgraded, we would sometimes have to wait days for transport to reach us, and when traveling it would took us 7 hours to reach the main road at Pindura. Now, transport is easier, we can reach at Pindura in 1 hour and get to the markets quickly and bring back goods without worry."

Farmers like Alice MUHORAKEYE, a potato grower in Bweyeye, expressed gratitude for the government: "This road has changed everything for us in terms of our livelihood. as farmers, our produce is now reaching the market faster and safely, and at a much lower cost. This has allowed us to earn more and reinvest in our farms."

As the road passes through Nyungwe National Park, which is a major tourist destination, it is also expected to boost tourism in the area. Tourists visiting the park will have more convenient and safe access, potentially increasing the number of visitors to Rwanda’s unique natural attractions.

"Tourists can now travel to in different corners of Nyungwe National Park much faster and more comfortably. The completion of Pindura-Bweyeye road will bring in more business for hotels, guides, and local craftspeople," says tourism operator, Mediatrice UWABABYEYI.

The Pindura–Bweyeye road upgrade project is a shining example of Rwanda's commitment to improving its infrastructure and empowering its citizens. By providing a safer, more efficient route for transportation, the project has helped transform the lives of residents and business operators. With the road now fully operational, the region is set to experience a boost in trade, tourism, and investment, further contributing to Rwanda's overall socio-economic progress.