President Paul Kagame and his Tanzanian counterpart Dr. John Pombe Magufuli have officially launched Rusumo Bridge and the customs One Stop Border Post at Rusumo, the border of both countries, an act symbolizing strengthened cooperation between the two countries.
The event was yesterday attended by first ladies of both countries, Jeannette Kagame and Jannet Magufuli.
In his remarks president Magufuli, on his first international trip since he took office n Tanzania, commended President Kagame for inviting him, referring to him as a ‘friend and brother.’
“I was delighted to attend the official inauguration of Rusumo border. Rusumo border holds a great history established between Rwanda and Tanzania,” he said.
Magufuli said that he arrives in Rwanda for the third time considering two visits before he became president. He is in Rwanda for a two-day visit where he has joined Rwandans in the 22nd commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.
“Our African countries are rich, we have everything including precious minerals among others .What we need is to maximize opportunities of what God gave us. We will achieve more if we work together,” he said.
President Kagame voiced appreciation to Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that supported the construction of Rusumo Bridge and the African Development Bank for funding roads construction, converging at Rusumo.
“We are opening a new chapter of friendship today between Rwanda and Tanzania. We are glad to receive president Magufuli in our country. The cooperation is not limited to the inauguration of the bridge but he is today’s and tomorrow’s guest,” he said.
At least 2000 passengers cross Rusumo Bridge connecting Rwanda and Tanzania every day. The bridge is built on the Akagera River.
“2000 people crossing Rusumo border every day are many. But we want the number increased and multiplied five times to become 10,000. It will be indicating that trade and friendship are increasing and improving,” noted President Kagame.
President Kagame said that such acts are rooted on good cooperation of citizens and leaders of both countries who want to strengthen that togetherness.
Rusumo one stop border post, built at a cost of $48 million, has been operational for one month where officials in charge of customs and immigration and emigration from both countries work together. The time spent to check cars was reduced from one hour to 20 minutes. Checking a person was reduced from 10 to 2 minutes.
At least 145 commercial and passenger vehicles pass through Rusumo border post per day.
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