Rutsiro Fast-Tracks Road Upgrades Ahead of First-Ever Kivu Beach Expo & Festival

According to Emmanuel Uwizeyimana, the Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, the roads had deteriorated and risked, hindering guests attending Expo & festival. The district, therefore, accelerated repairs to guarantee safe and easy access.

He explained that although Rutsiro already had a long-term plan to macadamize the roads leading to lakeside hotels and investment areas, immediate fixes were necessary.

“Since all activities will take place at Lake Kivu, we needed the roads to be passable, even for low-clearance vehicles. Before full road construction begins, it was essential to level and rehabilitate them so that visitors can move easily and safely,” Uwizeyimana said.

Community, Investors, and the District Join Forces

Road construction was made possible through a joint effort involving local residents, investors with hotels along the lake, and the district administration.

Uwizeyimana says partners helped provide fuel for the machines, while the district mobilized equipment and residents contributed labor.

“There was commitment from all three sides—the district leadership, the company that provided the machines, and the community,” he stated.

Key roads being improved include the paved road from Nkomero to Ishusho, another road linking Mushubati to Ishusho, and the descending road leading directly to the lakeshore. Additional work is underway on the Gahabwa–Palega–Amara route, which passes near Bonza Coffee and Senator Nyiramirimo’s area.

Yves Iyamuremye, head of Yirunga Ltd, the company organizing the event, praised the national leadership, noting that some of these roads might have taken close to a year to complete without the festival’s urgency.

“Because of the Expo, the Palega access road was completed much faster. Now small cars, vans, and hybrids can easily drive down,” he said.

Iyamuremye added that improved roads will significantly increase movement to and from the festival grounds. Shuttle taxis will also be available to transport guests between Ishusho center and Nkomero.

“Previously, vans and other low cars struggled on these slopes, especially those heading to hotels, beaches, and recreation areas. Now visitors will reach the festival without major challenges,” he said.

Tourism Transformation in Sight

Rutsiro District, home to seven sectors bordering Lake Kivu, has long aimed to expand its economy through advanced agriculture and a stronger tourism industry.

Vice Mayor Uwizeyimana says tourism had not yet reached its full potential despite the district’s natural assets, new hotels under construction, and high-quality sandy beaches.

He believes the festival will bring three major benefits: promoting Rutsiro to a wider audience, attracting more investors to the district, and creating economic opportunities and jobs for residents

The Kivu Beach Expo & Festival will bring together eight music artists, including Papa Cyangwe, Young Grace, Impala, Igisupusupu, Theo Bosebabireba, Mico The Best, and Platini. Exhibitors will include agricultural producers such as Boneza Coffee, along with investors exploring opportunities in the district.