Rusumo Bridge gets a facelift

The equipment to re-construct the bridge connecting the Border Posts

The bridge that connects the border of Rwanda and Tanzania at Rusomo border is being constructed with stronger equipment.

The construction process kicked-off on Tuesday November 5, 2013 and will be done in 5 phases to be completed by February 2014.

The tools for construction of this bridge are from Japan. The new bridge will have 80 meters weighing 180 tons. The existing bridge weighs 53 tons.

This bridge will be built on the support of The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and it will be worth Rwf6 Billion.

The bridge is expected to better the trade and transportation through this border as well as trade in the East African Community.

The East African economy has reported an increase of 8 percent especially due to trade between member countries. In 2009, Rusumo border registered about 96 trucks and trucks a day but 2012 saw about 205 trucks for and trailers carrying goods through the border on a daily basis.

The existing bridge above Rusumo River weighed 53 tons

 It is estimated that in 5 years to come, the trucks carrying goods will be between 500 and 700 daily and the EAC economy will grow between10% and 11.5%.

More than 2000 people neighbouring Rusumo border have experienced economic growth due to the work being done. About 600 Rwandans got employment in the reconstruction of the bridge project.

The bridge will have a pedestrian route unlike the present one where travelers use the same route with vehicles.

This bridge with One Stop Boarder Post (OSBP) will cost Rwf21 Billion. Both Rwanda and Tanzania will provide equal amount of money to construct it.

Rusumo Bridge gets a facelift