Rwanda and Japan have signed a grant agreement worth $14.6 million to establish a new transport control system aimed to reduce traffic congestion and improve mobility in Kigali.
The agreement was signed between the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Uzziel Ndagijimana, Ambassador of Japan to Rwanda, Isao Fukushima, and Minako Shiotsuka, Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), on October 5.
Dubbed “Intelligent Transport System”, the project consists of developing a traffic control system and signal control system together with intersection improvements, which will be centred in the City of Kigali and Rwanda National Police Traffic Department.
Given that Rwanda is a land-linked country, Amb Fukushima said it has an integral role to play as the nodal point between the Central and Northern Corridor, as well as expedite the trade in the region and continent under The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
Pudence Rubingisa, Mayor of Kigali, said that this is yet an impetus in the target to transform the city using smart solutions to ease the way of living in Kigali with urban transportation as a top priority.
He added that there is a dedicated team at the City of Kigali in charge of the project and it has already conducted preliminary studies in collaboration with JICA to ensure timely implementation of this project
Shiotsuka also noted that this project will deliver an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient city while promoting solidarity and empowering individuals.
“Urbanisation issues cannot be solved with a single project. We are strongly committed to the formulation of synergy among stakeholders in urban transportation,” she added.
