Desperate Pleas from Mugano Sector Residents: Bad Roads Stall Development and Isolate Community

Mugano Sector, Nyamagabe District – Residents of Mugano Sector are raising urgent alarms as they grapple with the dire state of their roads, which have become nearly impassable due to potholes and mud. The community, already isolated from the main tarmac, now faces exorbitant transportation costs, with motorbike fares skyrocketing to 18,000 Rwf for a round trip to the nearest paved road.

For years, the residents have endured this struggle, relying on a network of treacherous paths that lead them through Gasarenda, Uwinkingi, Buruhukiro, Musebeya, and Kaduha sectors before finally reaching their destination. The journey is fraught with hazards, leaving many in fear of traveling, especially during the rainy season when conditions worsen dramatically.

Havugimana Fabien, a local resident, expressed the community’s frustration: “We have been struggling with the problem of bad roads for many years. No passenger vehicle can travel here because it is too slippery. We are asking the authorities to listen to us and help us find a good road that would alleviate our isolation.”

The financial burden is heavy on residents like 65-year-old Kabasinga Epiphanie, who lamented the impact on their daily lives and economic opportunities. “It’s a very difficult situation. Before, I could make the trip to Nyamagabe easily, but now I can’t even do that. When it rains, no one can reach us,” she said.

Dushimimana Emmanuel noted that the cost of transportation fluctuates with the weather, making it an unpredictable expense for residents. “When the rain comes, it becomes very expensive,” he stated. “We request that the administration construct the road for us. If there is a power outage, we may not see a technician for two days due to fears of traveling this bad road.”

The situation has drawn attention from various stakeholders. Dushimimana Jean Damascène, an agronomist officer in Mugano Sector, mentioned recent visits from representatives of LODA who assessed the road conditions in hopes of finding a solution.

In response to the mounting concerns, Habimana Thaddée, Vice Mayor of Nyamagabe District in charge of Economic Development, acknowledged the issue and assured residents that plans are in place for improvements.

“We are aware of the problem with this road and are set to begin work next year,” he told IGIHE News website “The project will be funded by a budget of 3 billion Rwf and will be completed in two phases, starting with the Kaduha to Mugano section.”