Kigali has recently witnessed a growing urban mobility problem and a high volume of traffic requiring significant adjustments to urban transport design and systems.
Congestion and long queues are prevalent at most major junctions, increasing operating costs, travel times, disruption, and traffic conflicts.
Through 'Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project', Rwanda seeks to put an end to that and improve the efficiency, inclusivity and safety of road transport mobility.
The funds to support this initiative were agreed at the Bank's headquarters in Abidjan on 2 December.
The lack of an inclusive urban mobility system, such as dedicated bus lanes, a non-motorised transport system and limited integration between different public transport networks, exacerbates transport problems and has led citizens to opt for motorbike taxis, the number of which is increasing in urban areas, putting users at risk of accidents.
According to Aïssa Touré Sarr, the African Development Bank's Country Manager for Rwanda, the project will focus on improving three of the seven crucial junctions identified as bottlenecks so as to have more efficient, sustainable and user-friendly urban transport infrastructure.
'Ultimately, the investments should make it possible to mitigate the current and future challenges of urban mobility in Kigali and pave the way for a just transition to a more sustainable and efficient urban transport system, thereby transforming into a low-carbon sector,' she said.
The project provides for the construction of prioritised junctions with provisions for public transport (bus lanes) and non-motorised traffic at the three junctions in question.
It also includes the building of infrastructure to help uplift the social status of communities in Kigali, including the upgrading of bus stops, and safe and well-lit public transport stations that are convenient for nursing mothers and pregnant women, and that will protect waiting bus travellers from the rain.
Pavements and pedestrian crossings to accommodate all citizens, including people with disabilities, will be installed to improve mobility and safety.
The 2022 Population Census indicates that the city of Kigali, which boasted a population of 1.7 million that is expected to grow to 3.8 million by 2050.
IGIHE
