Rwanda-Tanzania border, Rusumo
A project worth USD 31.9 million was commissioned at the Rwanda-Tanzania border at Rusumo over the weekend and is expected to ease customs and immigration clearance procedures for goods and people of the two East African Community (EAC) partner states.
The project that comprises a one-stop border post (OSBP) and new bridge was funded by the Japanese government through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Rwanda's ministry of infrastructure through Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA) and the Tanzania National Roads Agency inaugurated the facilities.
The bridge has 80m length and 13.5m width, while the OSBP facility comprises of the administration building, verification storage, control shed for vehicle control purposes and parking lot.
The project also includes two-kilometre road linking the OSBP facility.
The two-lane bridge has capacity to support 180 tonnes, unlike the old one constructed decades ago which could withstand only 53 tonnes.
The new bridge will also allow increase of the speed limit from the present recommended speed of five km per hour to 30 km per hour.
The construction was done by the Japanese Contractor, DAIHO Corporation.
Unveiling the facilities, Rwanda's minister of infrastructure, James Musoni, said the OSBP would significantly improve the efficiency of cargo movement and reduce general business costs, thus facilitating trade on the Central Corridor.
The Central Corridor is almost 200 km shorter at 1500 km through the Rusumo border post.
"The two nations [Tanzania and Rwanda] will benefit highly. The one stop border system is capable of simultaneously handling departure and arrival procedures at border points," said Musoni.
Over 50 per cent of Rwanda's imports and exports are said to pass through the central corridor that serves as an access route to Dar port in Tanzania.
The route also connects other regional countries like Burundi and the DR Congo.
JICA president Akihiko Tanaka said that infrastructures are key to speed up economic development.
"It is critical to develop regional infrastructure that enhance connectivity among countries," he said, noting that cross-border infrastructure promotes regional integration.
John Mongella, the Regional Commissioner of Kagera Region (Tanzania) and the Japanese ambassador to Rwanda, Kazuya Ogawa also attended the event.
Source:The Guardian