As expropriation and demolition works begin to pave the way for the expansion of the Giporoso–Masaka road, several major properties along the route are set to be affected.
The government has allocated over Rwf 16 billion for the expropriation phase of the 10-kilometer Prince House–Giporoso–Masaka road upgrade, which is planned for the 2025/26 fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure. The project aims to widen the road from two to four lanes and construct a flyover at a busy junction to ease traffic congestion.
At least 530 properties are expected to be impacted. The total cost of the Chinese-financed project is 437.12 million Chinese yuan — roughly US$60.5 million (Rwf 86 billion). During a site visit, The New Times identified prominent properties marked with an “X” for demolition, while some structures are already being pulled down.
Hilltop Hotel and Country Club
Located about five minutes from Kigali International Airport, parts of Hilltop Hotel and Country Club are marked for demolition. The hotel, which includes accommodation, conference halls, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and gym, has several structures affected, including a security checkpoint near the entrance.
Adversity Motor Garage and Car Wash
Across from Hilltop Hotel, part of Adversity Motor Garage and its adjoining car wash station will also be impacted. Some nearby buildings have already been demolished. Venuste Mutijimana, a worker at the garage, said the business will not relocate, as only the car wash section is affected.
Come Again Bar and Restaurant
Sections of Come Again Bar and Restaurant, including its fence and outer areas opposite Prince House, SP Petrol Station, and KFC, have been demolished. The bar remains operational in unaffected areas. Several adjacent buildings between the bar and SP station have also been cleared.
Impala Resto-Bar
Part of Impala Resto-Bar, located near the former La Palisse Nyandungu, has been demolished. Several houses along the stretch between Impala Bar and La Palisse are also being cleared on both sides of the road.
Blue Gear Machinery Ltd
The building of Blue Gear Machinery Ltd, which deals in agricultural, construction, industrial, and heavy-duty machinery and spare parts, is marked for demolition. The company is located opposite Hilltop Hotel.
Rubis Petrol Station and EV Charging Station
Part of the Rubis Petrol Station at Ku Mulindi is marked for demolition, as is the electric vehicle charging station near SP Petrol Station.
SP Petrol Stations: Will they be affected?
Several SP Petrol Stations are located along the expansion route, including one opposite Prince House. Some nearby buildings have already been demolished, raising questions about potential relocation. An SP official declined to comment, saying the information is confidential.
Uncertainty over Nyandungu Eco-Park
Officials from the City of Kigali and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) have not confirmed whether Nyandungu Eco-Park, located near the road section, will be affected.
Minimex and Legacy Clinic
Officials from Legacy Clinics stated that their newly completed buildings will not be impacted, though they did not specify whether any portion had been expropriated. Minimex, a maize processing company, confirmed it had not yet received information regarding the potential impact on its property.
The Giporoso–Masaka road upgrade is part of Kigali’s ongoing infrastructure development plans aimed at improving traffic flow and boosting regional connectivity, but the project is set to reshape the landscape for businesses and residents along the corridor.
