The signing ceremony of the Exchange of Notes of the Project for the Construction of Rusutom International Bridge and One Stop Border Post Facilities, 6th September 2011
A signing ceremony of the Exchange of Notes of the Project for the Construction of Rusumo International Bridge and One Stop Border Post Facilities took place in Kigali, on 6th September. A grant up to one billion eight hundred and sixty million Japanese Yen (¥1,860,000,000) will be extended to the Government of Rwanda with a view to strengthening friendly and cooperative relations between Rwanda and Japan and promoting the economic development efforts of the Government of Rwanda and the Government of Tanzania as well as the regional integration of the East African Community (EAC).
Speaking at the ceremony, the Ambassador of Japan, Mr. Hatanaka commended the strong ownership of the Government of Rwanda regarding its development requirements. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Hon. Mushikiwabo, appreciated the grant on behalf of the Government of Rwanda and paid tribute to the self-reliant spirit of Japanese people as it was demonstrated during the earthquake aftermath.
The Project will replace the old Rusumo Bridge, located along the Central Corridor between Dar-es-salaam and Kigali, with a new one with 80m length and two lanes and construct the One Stop Border Post Facilities. This aims at facilitating safe and steady physical distribution based on smooth traffic flow of the Central Corridor, lifting restrictions on passing vehicles and eliminating the traffic congestion caused by large vehicles. The Government of Japan is committed to support the economic growth in Africa through Tokyo International Conference and African Development (TICAD) process which places infrastructure development as a key pillar and expects the Project will stimulate trade and investment in the region.