Kigali – The United States Government has officially invested $50 million USD for the improvement of rural roads in Rwanda through the World Bank Feeder Roads Development Project. On Monday, U.S. Ambassador Erica Barks Ruggles and World Bank Country Manager Carolyn Turk signed an agreement for this contribution in the presence of the Minister of Agriculture, Honorable Geraldine Mukeshimana, at the offices of the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI).
The Feeder Roads Development Project (FRDP) will improve road infrastructure in Rwanda by rehabilitating and maintaining up to 350 kilometers of rural roads in select districts. The project also aims to reduce rural poverty by enhancing the roads that connect agricultural market centers, which will allow for increased incomes for farmers, many of whom are women. “Rural roads, which link farmers to markets, and service providers to poor communities, play a fundamental role in promoting prosperity in the rural areas. We are delighted to be working with USAID in expanding the network of rural roads,” explained Turk.
“We are pleased to join in partnership with the World Bank and the Ministry of Agriculture on this $50 million, five year project that will allow easier and faster transportation of goods and increased market activity,” said Ambassador Barks Ruggles. “Our partnership is based on our shared vision of a more prosperous future for all Rwandans.” The U.S. contribution to the project is provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
As part of the project, MINAGRI, will receive technical assistance from the World Bank on financial management, monitoring and evaluation, and engineering. “When you look at the program at a macro level, it will have a huge impact on the economy,” said Minister Mukeshimana.
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