Now serving her second term, Mukabalisa is also known for her performances in athletics competitions involving East African legislators, where she has won several medals.
Speaking to IGIHE, Mukabalisa disclosed her interest in leadership began long before she entered Parliament. As a student, she regularly took part in school clubs and activities, including Scouts, and later became involved in student leadership at university.
“I liked being among the first people to volunteer whenever there was something to be done or whenever others needed help,” she said.
Mukabalisa studied law at the University of Rwanda after completing her secondary education. At university, she was elected to represent law students before later becoming a commissioner responsible for gender in the wider students’ association.
She said these experiences taught her that leadership could provide a platform to raise issues affecting others, particularly women and students who might otherwise struggle to have their concerns heard.
After graduating, Mukabalisa spent time as a volunteer at a sector office in Musanze while looking for employment. She said the experience eventually helped her secure her first job after she used computers and internet access at the sector to apply for opportunities online.
“Volunteering is what I would say brought me into employment,” she said.
Mukabalisa said she did not grow up dreaming of becoming an MP. Instead, she developed an interest in serving people and gradually recognised opportunities to do so through different stages of her career, including her work at the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Her entry into Parliament in 2020, she said, was driven by a sense of responsibility towards the women who supported her campaign.
“I do not see myself as Germaine asking a minister a question. I see myself as Germaine who has an agreement with a citizen to ask the minister how this or that issue was addressed,” she said.
Among the recent laws she is particularly pleased to have participated in is the 2024 family law, which recognises that unpaid domestic work performed by women can, in certain circumstances, be given value and taken into account.
She described the provision as an important step because women often spend much of their time performing household work that does not generate a formal income.
Mukabalisa has also found an unexpected platform for service through athletics. She first competed in the sport after joining Parliament, when legislators resumed competitions in 2022 following the disruption caused by Covid-19.
Having no previous experience in athletics, she taught herself through training and online resources and eventually began winning medals. In 2023, when Rwanda hosted the competition, she won a gold medal.
Her determination was tested during an 800-metre race when she noticed that Rwanda was not listed among the competitors. She decided to participate anyway and eventually overtook a Ugandan runner who had taken an early lead.
“I told myself that the worst thing that could happen was failing to win a medal. I put in all the strength we had been taught to use and eventually managed to overtake her,” she recalled.
For Mukabalisa, both Parliament and sport have provided different avenues through which she can represent others, challenge herself and turn opportunities into service.
MP Germaine Mukabalisa has won several medals in athletics competitions involving East African legislators, despite having never competed in the sport before joining Parliament.MP Germaine Mukabalisa says she never dreamed of becoming a parliamentarian, but has built her career around a desire to serve people and use every opportunity to make a difference.
Now, that transformation is getting closer to Rwanda after Yadea Technology Group, one of the world’s leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, signed a strategic partnership with Spiro, Africa’s electric mobility company, to expand accessible and sustainable transport solutions.
The agreement connects Yadea’s global manufacturing strength and research capabilities with Spiro’s operations and battery-swapping network in countries where it operates, including Rwanda.
Under the partnership, Yadea will supply electric two-wheelers and related products adapted to Spiro’s markets, while both companies develop motorcycles designed for local road conditions and commercial use.
Founded in 2001, Yadea has grown from an electric vehicle manufacturer into a global mobility company combining research and development, intelligent manufacturing, sales networks and after-sales services.
Today, Yadea products are used in more than 100 countries, with more than 100 million electric vehicles sold worldwide.
Its portfolio includes electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, electric three-wheelers, electric scooters, folding bikes, graphene lead-acid batteries, sodium-ion batteries and related spare parts.
A major milestone came in May 2016, when Yadea became the first electric vehicle company in China’s industry to be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Headquartered in Wuxi, Yadea has developed a global manufacturing and innovation network with 10 production and research bases located in Jiangsu, Tianjin, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Chongqing and Anhui in China, as well as Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Mexico.
The company operates more than 40,000 retail stores worldwide, holds more than 2,000 patents, operates three national-level CNAS laboratories, six technology research and development centres and one national-level industrial design centre.
Through these facilities, Yadea has developed technologies in batteries, motors, electronic controllers and intelligent vehicle systems.
Its achievements have also received recognition in China. In 2021, Yadea was accredited as one of the “5th Batch of National Industrial Design Centers (2022–2025)”. In 2022, it was recognised as a “National Intellectual Property Advantage Enterprise”, while in 2024 it ranked 249th among China’s Top 500 Private Enterprises.
Rwanda, a thousand opportunities
In Rwanda, motorcycles play a major role in daily transport, connecting workers, students, businesses and communities.
Rising fuel costs, maintenance expenses, environmental concerns and road safety challenges have increased interest in electric mobility.
In 2025, Rwanda stopped registering petrol-powered motorcycles for passenger transport as part of efforts to accelerate cleaner transport solutions.
Since electric motorcycles entered the Rwandan market, their number has increased by 686%, creating a growing opportunity for companies such as Yadea.
Spiro has already established a strong presence in Rwanda. In an interview with IGIHE in June 2026, Spiro Rwanda Managing Director Amit Chawla said the company had approximately 25,000 electric motorcycles operating on Rwanda’s roads and around 350 battery-swapping stations.
Over the next five years, Spiro plans to expand its Rwanda operations to between 75,000 and 80,000 electric motorcycles, nearly 3,000 employees, around 1,000 battery-swapping stations and between 65,000 and 70,000 batteries.
The company previously secured $215 million to accelerate expansion before announcing a larger growth phase following a $270 million funding round that included investment from NewTrails Capital, a Chinese fund.
The recently signed agreement connects Yadea’s global manufacturing strength and research capabilities with Spiro’s operations and battery-swapping network in countries where it operates, including Rwanda.
Smart technology for future transport
During a visit to Yadea’s facilities in Wuxi, the company’s Head of Overseas Branding, Sam Yuan, told IGIHE that Yadea adapts its products to meet different market needs.
“Our purpose of cooperating with Spiro is to bring Yadea’s manufacturing and technology advantages to riders through Spiro’s local network and battery exchange channels,” he said.
The company is developing smart motorcycles equipped with technologies such as intelligent identification systems, facial recognition, Traction Control System (TCS), anti-slip technology, Hill Descent Control (HDC) and power-cut systems when motorcycles stop.
Products designed specifically for African markets are expected to be introduced in 2027.
The company also focuses on battery sustainability, saying 98% of materials used in its lithium batteries can be recycled, while the remaining 2% does not create harmful environmental impact.
Yadea’s industrial scale supports its global expansion.
Its Tianjin base has 24 complete-vehicle assembly lines and targets annual production and sales capacity of 10 million units, with an output value of nearly RMB 30 billion.
Its Chongqing base, built with an investment of around RMB 1 billion (220 billion Rwandan francs), covers 22 hectares, has a construction area of 221,000 square metres and is designed to produce five million units annually.
The facility is expected to generate output exceeding 10 billion yuan (more than Rwf2.2 trillion) and create more than 5,000 jobs.
Internationally, Yadea’s Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Mexico bases have a combined planned annual production capacity of 750,000 units.
One of Yadea’s electric motorcycle models equipped with advanced technologies aimed at improving efficiency, safety and rider experienceYadea integrates intelligent systems into its electric motorcycles, including technologies that support safer and more efficient ridingThe headquarters of Yadea Technology Group in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China, where the global electric mobility company develops and manufactures smart electric two-wheelersA visitor tests a Yadea electric motorcycle during a demonstration at the company’s facility in Wuxi, experiencing the performance of smart electric mobilityVisitors experience Yadea’s electric vehicles, which combine battery technology, intelligent systems and comfortable design for everyday transportYadea’s electric motorcycles represent the company’s vision of cleaner, smarter and more accessible mobility solutions for markets around the world, including RwandaA range of Yadea electric motorcycles displayed at the company’s facility in Wuxi, showcase different models designed for urban mobility needsCES 2023 saw the US debut of the all-new high-speed straddle electric motorcycle series Yadea Keeness VFD
Col Fidèle Rugabo, an officer with Twirwaneho, said that at around 3 a.m. on September 18, 2026, forces of the DRC, Burundi, FDLR, P5 and Wazalendo attacked civilians in Mukoko and Nyaruhinga.
He explained that the enemy from the direction of Mukoko attacked civilians at 3 a.m. and the enemy was being hit hard. ” Col. Rugabo said.
Col Rugabo further claimed that at around 6 a.m., forces supporting the DRC government attacked the Gipimo area in the direction of Kabanju.
The reported attacks follow several days of offensives by forces aligned with the DRC government in areas controlled by Twirwaneho and AFC/M23, including Minembwe, Kalehe and Masisi.
Twirwaneho and AFC/M23 strongly condemned the attacks.
Col Rugabo said MRDP Twirwaneho repelled attacks by the coalition of DRC government forces.
The estimated total cost is 24.3 billion U.S. dollars, the department said in a statement.
Saudi Arabia has requested to buy 48 F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter aircraft with conventional takeoff and landing and 49 Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines, of which 48 are installed and the other is a spare, the statement said.
According to the statement, the proposed sale “will improve Saudi Arabia’s capability to deter current and future threats by strengthening its homeland defense, and improving interoperability with U.S. forces, and other regional and NATO forces,” but “will not alter the military balance in the region.”
Israel is reportedly the only country in the Middle East to currently operate F-35 fighter jets.
U.S. has approved sale of 48 F-35 stealth fighter jets to Saudi Arabia
Among them is Jiangsu, a province whose importance does not come only from its size, but from how complete its economic system has become.
With 85.18 million people, Jiangsu recorded a GDP of approximately 14.235 trillion yuan (approximately US$2.12 trillion) in 2025, growing by 5.3%, while its per-capita GDP reached about 167,040 yuan.
Although the province occupies only around 1% of China’s land area, it contributes more than one-tenth of China’s economic output.
Its economy reflects a balanced foundation, with agriculture contributing 3.8%, manufacturing 42.2%, and services 54%.
But behind these numbers is a broader story: a province where rural communities, industrial centres, universities, technology companies and cultural industries are connected into one ecosystem.
Jiangsu has a coastline stretching more than 1,000 kilometres, 168 higher-education institutions, approximately 2.5 million college students, and more than 51,000 high-tech enterprises.
It is a place where rice fields exist beside robotics, ancient canals coexist with artificial intelligence, traditional textile industries compete in global markets, and historic towns generate modern tourism revenue.
Daizhuang Village’s rice fields demonstrate how ecological farming can improve yields while preserving biodiversity
A journey through China’s high-speed connection
The journey from Beijing to Jiangsu offered the first glimpse into the infrastructure supporting the province’s development.
Covering approximately 1,210 kilometres, the trip took just over four hours by high-speed train.
While route estimates place the distance at about 1,226 kilometres, the road distance is approximately 1,094 kilometres, requiring at least 11 hours by car and between 12 and 15 hours by bus.
China’s fastest high-speed trains can reach speeds of up to 350 kilometres per hour, covering approximately 1 kilometre every 10 seconds.
The journey was not simply about travelling from one place to another. It demonstrated how connectivity allows people, goods, technology and ideas to move rapidly across regions.
Wuxi: Where heritage meets high-tech growth
The first destination was Wuxi, a city where ancient culture and modern economic power exist side by side.
Located between the Yangtze River and Taihu Lake, Wuxi is one of the major economic centres of the Yangtze River Delta, with approximately 7.5 million residents.
The city recorded a 2025 GDP of about 1.68 trillion yuan, while high-tech industrial output reached approximately 1.463 trillion yuan, accounting for 53.97% of industrial output.
Today, Wuxi is driven by advanced manufacturing, integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, biomedicine, digital technology, new energy and international trade.
However, its identity is not defined only by innovation.
Wuxi has more than 3,100 years of recorded history and over 2,200 years since becoming a city. It remains an important centre of Wu culture, Jiangnan culture and Grand Canal culture.
UNESCO recognised Wuxi as a Creative City of Music, and the city is known as the birthplace of the famous musician Abing’s masterpiece The Moon Reflected in the Second Spring.
At night, Wuxi reveals another dimension of its development. Its historic canals become vibrant spaces where culture, tourism, restaurants and entertainment meet.
The Qingmingqiao Historical and Cultural Block has created the “Tonight · Liangxiao” night-time brand, combining shopping, dining, sightseeing, performances and cultural experiences.
The wider Qingmingqiao Ancient Grand Canal scenic area receives nearly 30 million visitors annually, while during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday, the block welcomed approximately 2.2 million visitors.
Wuxi demonstrates that heritage does not have to remain in the past. It can become a living economic asset.
Daizhuang Village: Transforming agriculture through innovation
Jiangsu’s development story is not only written in cities and factories. It is also visible in rural communities.
In Daizhuang Village, located in southern Jurong City, agriculture has been transformed into a model of ecological production and rural development.
The village covers 10.4 square kilometres, with 487 hectares of cultivated land and a population of 2,879, including 1,100 permanent residents.
Its Village Party Committee, established in 2011, manages 3 Party branches with 122 members.
Under the guidance of Zhao Yafu, a delegate to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and National Model for Poverty Alleviation, Daizhuang developed what is known as the “Daizhuang Experience.”
The model is built around cooperation between farmers, cooperatives and village leadership.
The village has received recognition as a National Civilised Village, National-level Ecological Farm, China’s Most Beautiful Leisure Village, National Model Village for One Village One Product and National Model Farmers’ Professional Cooperative.
In 2024, Daizhuang’s collective income reached 5.2 million RMB, while per-capita income reached 45,000 RMB.
Since the Daizhuang Biodiversity Farmland Project began in 2001, the village has developed ecological agriculture through rice-duck farming, rice-fish symbiosis and sustainable cultivation.
More than 30 new species have been introduced, while monitoring has recorded nearly 150 small animal species and 98 bird species in the rice fields.
Organic rice yields increased from around 4.5 tonnes per hectare to more than 7.5 tonnes per hectare from 1,500 yuan to about 6,000 yuan.
Villagers’ per-capita net income increased from 2,800 RMB in 2003 to 47,000 RMB in 2025.
Daizhuang shows how agriculture can move beyond traditional farming to become a driver of environmental protection, tourism, technology and income growth.
Daizhuang Village represents Jiangsu’s rural transformation, where agriculture, technology and ecological development grow together
A manufacturing bridge between China and Africa
At Wuxi No.1 Cotton Textile Group Co., Ltd., founded in 1919, Jiangsu’s industrial strength becomes clear.
The company operates 700,000 spindles and 500 looms, producing 40,000 tons of high-grade yarn and 50 million metres of premium fabrics annually.
Through the Belt and Road Initiative, the company expanded into Ethiopia, where its Phase I plant with 100,000 spindles began operation in 2019.
The wider Ethiopia project plans a capacity of 300,000 spindles and is expected to create nearly 3,000 jobs.
The company employs 1,100 workers in China and around 600 people in Ethiopia.
Its TALAK brand is registered in 55 countries and regions, serving high-end textile markets worldwide.
The company’s success reflects Jiangsu’s approach: combining traditional industries with technology, innovation and international partnerships.
At the Wuxi National Digital Film Industrial Park, known as “China’s Hollywood,” creativity has become a major economic sector.
Opened in 2013, the park covers approximately 39 hectares.
It has supported more than 2,100 films and television programmes and attracted over 1,200 film and cultural enterprises.
Its annual output value is estimated between 6 billion and 8 billion yuan, supported by 15 high-tech studios, virtual production facilities, artificial intelligence applications and a 5G smart virtual cinematography laboratory.
The visit coincided with the 2026 China–Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges, marking 70 years of China–Africa diplomatic relations.
In the first half of 2026, Wuxi’s trade with Africa reached 18.6 billion yuan, increasing by 40.7% year on year.
More than 3,000 fisheries technicians and administrators from over 50 African countries have received training in Wuxi.
Wuxi has a unique identity, where natural landscapes coexist with one of China’s most dynamic economic regionsWuxi National Digital Film Industrial Park showcases China’s investment in creative industries, technology and future-oriented developmentWorkers remain at the centre of Jiangsu’s textile industry, combining skilled craftsmanship with modern manufacturing systems.Automation and intelligent technology are reshaping traditional industries, increasing efficiency in Jiangsu’s textile sectorWuxi’s landscapes highlight the balance between urban development, ecological protection and sustainable growthDaizhuang Village represents Jiangsu’s rural transformation, where agriculture, technology and ecological development grow togetherWuxi blends economic innovation with cultural heritage, earning recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of MusicInside Wuxi No.1 Cotton Textile Group, advanced looms transform high-quality yarn into premium fabrics for global markets
Shema appeared before the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on September 17, 2026, to appeal a decision by the Nyarugenge Primary Court ordering his 30-day pre-trial detention.
His lawyer, Niyomugabo Christophe, told the court that Shema had signed an agreement with the Prosecution. The prosecutor confirmed the agreement, saying it remained to be submitted to the court.
The judge adjourned the hearing to September 23, 2026. Shema was arrested on August 11, 2026, and is charged with issuing uncovered cheques worth $600,000 (about Rwf883.5 million) and obtaining another person’s property through fraud.
The case stems from a contract worth more than €1 million between Africa Medical Supplier Plc, a company owned by Shema that deals in medical equipment, and ABZL International General Trading LLC. The agreement, signed on January 23, 2024, was linked to World Bank procurement for the supply of medical equipment to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Under the agreement, Africa Medical Supplier was required to pay ABZL within 60 days. The prosecution told the court that the company failed to meet the payment deadline and repeatedly delayed ABZL before eventually promising to settle the outstanding amount by email.
On August 5, 2025, Shema allegedly issued ABZL two cheques worth $400,000 and $200,000. The prosecution said the cheques were dishonoured because the company’s account did not have sufficient funds between August 1 and 10, 2025.
Shema denied the charges, saying ABZL was a financial services company based in the United Arab Emirates with which he had maintained business relations since 2017. He said their previous contracts had been successfully completed.
He told the court that Africa Medical Supplier had paid $400,000 in May 2024 and another $400,000 in December 2024, but that the second payment could not be completed because of an issue with ABZL’s account. He said the contract required ABZL to provide an alternative account in such circumstances.
Shema also said a dispute between ABZL shareholders led one of them to take the cheques, add payment instructions and request that the money be paid into a US bank account. He questioned why cheques originally intended for payment in Dubai would be redirected to the United States.
Shema maintained that he would not flee if released and told the court that he owns assets worth more than Rwf5 billion that could be used as security.
His defence counsel challenged the validity and handling of the cheques, arguing that the bank had cancelled them on July 16, 2025, before the alleged offence date of August 5. The lawyer also pointed to a change in the payment destination from the UAE to a US bank account on June 25, 2025.
The defence asked the court to grant Shema bail, arguing that the dispute arose from a commercial contract rather than a personal criminal matter.
In its September 2 ruling, the Nyarugenge Primary Court said that if Shema believed there had been fraud involving the payment arrangements, he should have reported it so the person responsible could be investigated.
Shema appealed the 30-day pre-trial detention order, arguing that he should be allowed to await further proceedings outside prison.
FERWAFA president Shema Fabrice has reached an agreement with the Prosecution.
RIB spokesperson Dr. Murangira B. Thierry told IGIHE that the case files of the 46 suspects had been submitted to the Prosecution.
“After arresting the first 81 suspects, who are now facing legal proceedings, another 46 were arrested and their case files have been submitted to the Prosecution. Investigations are still ongoing in other districts,” he said.
The latest arrests include one suspect from Kirehe District, 11 from Kayonza, six from Rwamagana, 16 from Nyabihu, two from Musanze, three from Gicumbi, four from Nyamagabe and three from Huye.
The case files from Kirehe, Kayonza, Rwamagana, Nyabihu, Musanze, Nyamagabe and Huye were submitted to the Prosecution on September 14, 2026, while those from Gicumbi were submitted on September 15.
Preliminary investigations found that some Primary Six teachers posed as cooks to gain access to national examination venues.
In one case, a teacher entered the examination venue carrying cooking supplies and was allowed into the kitchen, where an examination paper was brought to him. He then completed it before the answers were reportedly used to help students cheat.
The suspects face charges of abuse of office for personal benefit, a corruption-related offence, and breach of professional confidentiality.
Under Article 15 of the law on combating corruption, a person convicted of abuse of office faces seven to 10 years in prison and a fine of Rwf5 million to Rwf10 million. A conviction for breach of professional confidentiality under Article 150 of the law determining offences and penalties carries one to two years in prison.
Dr. Murangira thanked members of the public for providing information that has helped authorities identify people suspected of involvement in examination malpractice.
The 46 latest arrests bring the total number of suspects to 127, up from the initial 81 arrests. File photo
During the visit, Wadagni toured parts of the memorial and was briefed on the history of the Genocide against the Tutsi and Rwanda’s reconstruction journey.
On the same evening, Wadagni and President Paul Kagame joined Kigali residents for a walk along the Nyarutarama Green Carpet, a green corridor designed to provide safe and accessible spaces for walking, running and other outdoor sports activities.
Wadagni is in Rwanda for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening relations and cooperation between the two countries.
Earlier on Wednesday, Kagame received Wadagni at Village Urugwiro, where the two leaders held talks on expanding bilateral cooperation.
Rwanda and Benin cooperate in areas including trade and investment, agriculture, technology, urban planning, public service delivery, transport and security.
In 2023, Rwanda and Benin signed 10 cooperation agreements and other instruments during Kagame’s visit to Benin, including agreements related to taxation.
Wadagni, 50, became President of Benin in May 2026, succeeding Patrice Talon after two terms in office.
He previously served as Benin’s Minister of Economy and Finance for 10 years and visited Rwanda in 2023 as Talon’s special envoy.
Benin President Romuald Wadagni pays tribute to victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi at the Kigali Genocide Memorial.Benin President Romuald Wadagni toured the Kigali Genocide Memorial where he learnt about history of the Genocide against the Tutsi.President Wadagni visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial during his two-day official visit to Rwanda.President Romuald Wadagni joins President Paul Kagame and Kigali residents for a walk along the Nyarutarama Green Carpet.President Wadagni and President Kagame take a walk along Kigali’s Nyarutarama Green Carpet.
Ingabire is accused of forming or joining a criminal organisation, causing unrest or disturbances, undermining the established government, and disseminating false information or propaganda intended to turn foreign countries against Rwanda, among other charges.
She was detained on June 19, 2025, after the court was not satisfied with her explanations regarding her alleged involvement in training sessions attended by former DALFA-Umurinzi members. She had been summoned to their trial to provide information.
The prosecution told the court that the training sessions were intended to overthrow the government by encouraging people to oppose it. Ingabire, however, said the training had not been organised by DALFA-Umurinzi and that she was not aware of it.
The preliminary hearing was scheduled to begin in June 2026, but Ingabire raised several concerns, including restrictions on her communication with her family, which she said was important because her family would help facilitate the payment of her lawyers.
Ingabire told the court that she was not ready to stand trial because she was struggling physically, emotionally and spiritually as a result of the difficulties she had experienced. She also said she needed to meet her co-accused before she could properly prepare her defence.
She requested three months to prepare her case. The court instructed her to have her defence submissions ready by the end of July and informed the parties that the preliminary hearing would resume in September 2026.
The proceedings were then adjourned for nearly three months, partly because of the judiciary’s annual recess, which ended in September.
Ingabire returned to court on September 8, 2026, where she challenged the panel of judges hearing her case. Her objection would have required the proceedings to be postponed while another panel was constituted.
The President of the High Court found that Ingabire’s request was intended to delay the proceedings and fined her Rwf500,000.
The case is scheduled to resume on September 18, 2026.
Victoire Ingabire was detained on June 19, 2025, after the court was not satisfied with her explanations about her alleged involvement in training attended by former DALFA-Umurinzi members.
The boat was handed over on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. It can carry up to 51 passengers in seated positions and up to five tonnes of cargo.
Alfred Habimana, the Vice Mayor of Rusizi District in charge of economic development, said the boat is valued at nearly Rwf500 million.
He said the new boat is intended to address challenges residents have faced when travelling to and from the island.
“Today, we handed over to Nkombo Island residents a boat provided by the President of the Republic. It is intended to address the difficulties they used to face. Even when it rains or the sun is shining, they will now be able to travel because the boat is covered and in good condition,” Habimana said.
He said the boat was procured through a tender issued by the Rwanda Transport Development Agency (RTDA), adding that its services would be provided at an affordable cost.
The fare previously paid by residents travelling to Kamembe town has been reduced by Rwf500.
Habimana urged residents to take care of the new boat and other infrastructure provided to them.
“We ask residents to protect the facilities they have received, including this boat and other infrastructure that will be provided to them,” he said.
The boat is expected to improve mobility for Nkombo residents, facilitate trade and enable traders to transport goods to the island more safely.
One Nkombo resident said they previously relied on wooden boats, which made travel particularly difficult during the rainy season.
“It was not easy because we used wooden boats. During the rainy season, traders would go to buy goods, but their merchandise would get wet, or they would be unable to transport it back to the island. This boat is therefore a solution,” the resident said.
Nkombo residents had previously received another modern boat in October 2020. It was also provided in response to calls to improve transport for people living on the island and had a capacity of 30 passengers and three tonnes of cargo.
The boat later developed technical problems and stopped operating, prompting the authorities to initiate a new project to provide a replacement.
The new covered boat is expected to improve travel for Nkombo residents, particularly during the rainy season.The new boat can carry up to 51 passengers and five tonnes of cargo, easing transport for Nkombo Island residents.Residents of Nkombo Island have received a new boat valued at nearly Rwf500 million to facilitate passenger and cargo transport.
