KIGALI, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Friday inaugurated the Rubavu Port, a modern facility in the western part of the country, which is expected to boost trade across the region.
Rwandan Minister of Infrastructure Jimmy Gasore said the facility is set to enhance trade and improve maritime transportation along Lake Kivu.
"Rubavu Port is a game changer for Rwanda's maritime transport. With a capacity of 700,000 tonnes of cargo and 2.7 million passengers per year, it will boost trade and connectivity along Lake Kivu," Gasore said at the event.
He commended the development partners for their contributions toward the port construction and emphasized the importance of leveraging the Rubavu Port for community development as well as strengthening regional integration.
According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, the cargo section includes a staff accommodation facility, a petrol or gasoline station, a sewage treatment plant, and a wharf for docking services, while the passenger terminal houses the port's main offices and security checkpoints.
The facility was developed by the Rwandan government with funding from development partners, including Netherlands-backed Invest International and the British government through TradeMark Africa.
Officials expressed optimism that the new port will reduce the cost of transporting goods and people along Lake Kivu and provide jobs for locals. ■
