Inauguration Ceremony of the Project for Construction of Rusumo International Bridge and One Stop Border Post (OSBP) Facilities (April 6, 2016)

On April 6, Mr. SAKAMOTO, Chargé d’Affaires a.i at the Embassy of Japan in Rwanda, attended with H.E. Mr. YOSHIDA, Ambassador of Japan to Tanzania, the Inauguration Ceremony of “Project for Construction of Rusumo International Bridge and One Stop Border Post (OSBP) Facilities” funded by the Japanese Grant Aid. The ceremony was attended by both leaders of two countries, Tanzanian President, H.E. MAGUFULI, who was officially visiting Rwanda for two-day, and Rwandan President, H.E. KAGAME, and Ambassador Dr. SEZIBERA, East African Community (EAC) Secretary General as well as Ms. KANDIERO, Resident Representative of AfDB Office of Tanzania.

Ambassador Yoshida, in his speech as a representative of the Japanese Government, commended Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) as well as all stakeholders who contributed their efforts to the success of this project. In addition, he appreciated President Kagame and President Magufuri for their strong commitment and leadership, which led the project to its successful completion. He promised the continuous support of Japan to their endeavors to enhance the standards of living and welfare in order to develop the two countries and hoped this ceremony will further strengthen the friendly and cordial relations between Japan and two countries.

The old Rusumo bridge could not bear the load and had no capacity to support the axle road. In order to solve these problems, this project constructed a new bridge, which allows permanent use of two lanes with enough capacity to support the axle road, and increases the speed limit. Moreover, the newly constructed and renovated OSBP facilities are expected to reduce the cost and time of transportation and will boost trade and investment not only between Rwanda and Tanzania but also the whole of EAC member countries.

　

（Left: With President KAGAME and President MAGUFULI, Right: Sign board at the OSBP facility）

(President KAGAME and President MAGUFULI)