KIGALI, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan and Chinese officials officially launched Tuesday a road expansion and upgrade project in the capital city Kigali's transport network.
The 10-km project from Prince House to Masaka in Kigali is the latest China-aided project undertaken in Rwanda, according to the African country's Ministry of Infrastructure.
State Minister in Rwanda's Ministry of Infrastructure Claudien Bizimungu hailed the project as another demonstration of the strong and long-standing friendship between the two countries.
The development would "contribute significantly to better traffic flow, reduce travel time, improve road safety and strong connectivity across Kigali," he said, adding that it will also improve access to jobs, markets and essential services while supporting the city's continued economic growth.
The initial 1.37-km section involves upgrading an existing four-lane (two-way) road into an interchange layout, while the subsequent 9.04-km section entails reconstructing and widening an existing two-lane (two-way) road into a four-lane (two-way) road.
Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Gao Wenqi said that the project launch marked a new milestone in the two countries' friendship.
"Far more than an ordinary urban road, it serves as a tie binding China-Rwanda friendship, a bridge linking win-win collaboration, and a powerhouse driving our shared development," he said.
Noting that upon completion the road will cut logistics and transportation costs, Gao said this road is a heartfelt initiative centered on public welfare, healthcare and long-term growth, which will unclog urban transport networks and deliver tangible benefits to all Kigali residents.
Constructed by Hunan Road and Bridge Construction Group Co., Ltd., the project has been described as a key livelihood project for implementing the Belt and Road Initiative and the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit, as well as a concrete action in implementing the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries. ■