China builds back better: Expanding infrastructure amid a global pandemic

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck the world, people were confined in their homes to mitigate its effects, but water was an important resource needed in fighting the pandemic.

It is in this regard that the government of Rwanda collaborated with the People’s Republic of China to drill more boreholes to enhance access to water for its residents across the country.

These and other infrastructure projects like roads that have been constructed out of the same partnership, will be among the milestones to celebrate, during the 50th anniversary of Rwanda-China diplomatic ties that will be marked this month.

As we approach this historic anniversary, it is important to take stock of the infrastructure projects completed or still under way built by Chinese companies and what they have on the socio-economic impact to ordinary Rwandan citizens.

200-borehole-well project

Having started in 2019, the borehole-well project aimed at building 200 boreholes in 11 districts of Eastern and Southern province to increase access to water in Rwanda.

The New Times visited one of the boreholes in Rugalika sector of Kamonyi district whose construction works were completed a week ago.

Beneficiaries and other stakeholders hailed the project, saying that it will solve access to water challenge that has prevailed for long in this area.

Marthe Umugiraneza, the Executive Secretary of Rugalika sector highlighted some of the issues that the borehole is coming to solve.

“Ours is one of the sectors with water scarcity challenges because we are over 44,000 residents in a mountainous area without clean water, so most of the people use swamp water which is not clean at all,” she recounts.

“The available source of clean water is far for many and those who cannot make the journey like the elderly end up using dirty water from swamps which causes diarrheal illnesses,” she said.

According to her, children were constrained because many of them have to fetch water before going to school.

“And when they get to class after walking the long distance, they are tired and start dosing during the class time, this affects their concentration levels by extension the quality of education,” she added.

The borehole, which cost Rwf30 million and has an operating capacity of at least 15 years, will also go a long way in realizing the government target of ensuring all citizens can access clean water within less than 500 metres.

The total cost of the China Aid 200-borehole well project is $5.76 million and will see 200 boreholes drilled in 11 districts across the country.

According to Vincent de Paul Mugwaneza, an officer in charge of water distribution of rural areas in Water Sanitation Corporation (WASAC), this is a sign of good bilateral relations between the two countries.

“The Chinese people have been very supportive in enhancing access to water, starting from this grant for boreholes. This is one of the simplest and most effective solutions we are currently able to provide, as we look to establish a long-lasting solution,” he pointed out.

Chen Jinke, the coordinator of the boreholes project also echoed the same views.

“Projects like these foster the political and economic ties between our two nations, and as Chinese, we are very proud to be part of the efforts contributing to the development of partner countries like Rwanda,” he said.

Set to complete early next year, the project is implemented by China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) which started operating in Rwanda 20 years ago, with an active involvement in 30 socio-economic projects including the construction of irrigation, water supply, dam, and hydro-power projects.

Upgrading Sonatubes-Gahanga-Bugesera Road

Among other major construction projects currently being conducted in Rwanda by Chinese companies include the project to renovate the Sonatubes and Gahanga roads up to Akagera Bridge that separates the City of Kigali from Bugesera district.

The project also includes the road to the new airport in Bugesera district, which will see the airport that is under construction connected to Kigali.

Launched in 2019, the three-year project includes expanding the road from a two to four lane road with a budget of USD 53 million, hence easing traffic flow from Kigali to Eastern Province.

The manager of this project, Tian Chong, says that it has facilitated the movement between the rapidly urbanizing Bugesera area and the City of Kigali.

“Our project aims at facilitating the movement of residents here, but will also benefit the commercial activities here and as we’ve heard from the local residents, the business activities have started to grow because of this road network that was created,” he commented.

Emile Patrick Baganizi, the Deputy Director General of Rwanda Transport Development Agency says that the project is being implemented at a good pace, because the government and its partners are both playing their roles with honesty.

“The project is now at 96.1 percent, because as the government we play our role with critical integrity by compensating the expropriation of properties and supervising the works, whereas the Chinese companies are rapidly going on with constructions,” he said.

Jean Marie Vianney Gahiganwa, a resident in Kicukirosector where this road is being constructed, expects the completion of the project to significantly reduce the accidents that have been prevalent on this road.

“Because of a narrow road, traffic was clogging the area and accidents were plenty on several occasions, but as the road is being expanded, we believe it will decongest and lead to better flow,” he said.

The project is being implemented by China Road and Bridge Corporation which has been undertaking such projects in Rwanda since 1974.

According to the National Institute of Statistics in Rwanda, the company has built 70 percent of the existing asphalt roads in Rwanda.

The year of 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Rwanda and China while the two countries have had stronger ties in the health, agriculture, education and infrastructure sector among others.

China builds back better: Expanding infrastructure amid a global pandemic