Residents of Karongi District, particularly refugees living in Kiziba Refugee Camp and surrounding communities, have welcomed the construction of the Bwishyura - Kiziba road, which has been upgraded to asphalt standard.

The 14.5 kilometre road stretches from Kibuye town to Kiziba Refugee Camp. It was constructed by the Government of Rwanda and the World Bank under the “Jya Mbere” project, at a cost exceeding Frw 17 billion. 

Users of the road say that before its construction, it was in a very poor condition, characterized by potholes and frequent landslides, which made travel difficult. This affected trade and access to essential services, including healthcare, as patients referred to Kibuye Hospital often faced delays, with some women giving birth on the way or experiencing complications. 

Sandrine Dukuzemariya, a resident of Bwishyura Sector, said: “It was a very bad road; climbing from town was difficult and transport costs were high, especially at night. Today, the road is in good condition; I can travel at any time without worry, and transport costs have significantly reduced. We are very happy with this improvement.” 

A trader from Rwankuba Sector, Ntawuyirusha, noted that the poor state of the road previously disrupted business activities and even caused losses.

He said: “Before, the situation was very difficult. A vehicle could take more than an hour and a half to reach the camp, or even fail to arrive due to the condition of the road. Now, the journey takes about 20 minutes. Trade has improved, and we no longer face the shortages we used to experience.” 

Perusi Mami, a refugee who has lived in Kiziba Camp since 1996, highlighted the impact on healthcare access.

She said: “The poor road used to affect us a lot, especially when patients were referred to Kibuye Hospital. Sometimes vehicles could not pass, and patients’ conditions worsened. Some women even gave birth on the way. Now, the situation has improved significantly.” 

The Project Manager of the “Jya Mbere” initiative under MINEMA, Frank Ngoga, explained that the road was constructed to support both refugees and host communities in their daily activities.

He said: “The construction started in 2024 to facilitate movement, trade, and access to healthcare services for both refugees and Rwandans from different sectors and districts. The project cost over Frw 17 billion.” 

The Mayor of Karongi District, Gerald Muzungu, noted that the road has drastically reduced travel time and improved livelihoods.

He said: “Previously, the journey could take over an hour due to the hilly terrain and poor sections of the road. Now, it takes about 20 minutes from Karongi to Kiziba. This has eased mobility for both refugees and host communities, boosted trade, and improved access to healthcare. Cases of complications during childbirth due to transport delays have significantly reduced.” 

The Bwishyura - Kiziba road connects residents from the sectors of Bwishyura, Rwankuba, and Gitesi, as well as more than 14,000 refugees living in Kiziba Refugee Camp.

The improved infrastructure has enhanced mobility, strengthened socio-economic activities, and facilitated better access to essential services for both refugees and host communities in the area.