Kigali, 11 December, 2020: Permanent Secretary Eng. Patricie Uwase and the Executive Secretary of Central Corridor Transit Transport Facilitation Agency (TTFA), Capt. Dieudonné Dukundane yesterday signed a financing agreement to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the development of roadside stations in Rwanda.

The study aims at assessing how roadside stations can provide rest stops for cargo trucks, reduce drivers’ fatigue, secure parking yards and be used by other motorists as refreshing stops.

In addition, these facilities will not only improve safety of drivers but also they enhance socio-economic development of local communities.

Over 80% of Rwanda’s cargo pass through the Central Corridor. The lack of adequate facilities for rest and recovery,  maintenance,  parking and sanitation have had a serious effect on drivers using the Corridor and has resulted in high incidences of cross border HIV and AIDs, the prevalence of prostitution, road accidents and exposure of cargo to robbery due to lack of secured parking areas. Parking alongside the road also put the road users at risk.

As roadside stations can help to link local communities with road users, thus benefiting both parties, Officials reaffirmed the commitment to conduct aforementioned study in the nearly future.

As defined by the World Bank guidelines, roadside stations are infrastructure facilities designed with the help of the community and provide much stronger links between local communities and the users of the roads and business opportunities for local residents. They are also venues for the provision of multiple public services such as health care (including HIV/AIDS care), education and training activities, and cultural activities, as well as for the provision of the normal restaurant and commercial services.