In the coming months, an Italian company labeled Leitner Grp is expected to build an up-to-date technology of transport and communication at Kalisimbi volcano, the highest mountain of the country and the fourth in Africa with -4,507 meters (14,787 ft) above the sea level.
Dominic BOSIO who is in charge of Export and Sales Manager in the Italian company told Umuseke that the project is based on a contract deadline of 22 months after Agreement date (as per tender requirements), but it is intended to get realized within 18 months.
This schedule is subject to permits to start works and financing scheme of course, he added.
According to him all technical details regarding the rope way which are part of our (LEITNER) turnkey responsibility (local civil works and buildings, constructions, manufacturing of equipment , etc…) are clear and defined.
Government of Rwanda is still studying the other projects involved (construction of a touristic resort, coordination between the different state based institutions involved such as the Ministries of Infrastructure, Defense, Telecommunication and Education.
He added that there are still pending discussions regarding the international funding between RDB and the Ministry of Finance.
Dominic BOSIO revealed that the company he spoke for is ready to start, adding that preliminary studies are already undertaken.
This rope way would be one of our 50-60 project worldwide and we are confident that it is not something extraordinary as the equipment to realize it is made available and ready for use, he said.
For him the Karisimbi location is ideal of the installation of the infrastructure in the whole equatorial Africa.
Rwanda Development Board is the project owner.
The management of the project features different state based institutions such as the Ministries of Ministry of Education (as this project would also support the Rwandan commitment to support the Air Quality Measurement project – Worldwide research project handled by MIT, Boston), and has to be carefully monitored in terms of respect of the wildlife (Gorillas).
Ministry of Defense is also a partner in managing this project as the army is currently in charge of this area close to the borders of DRC and Burundi.
It also features the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) as well as Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority.
The Project is worthy 38 Million Euros, amount which will be adjusted depending on the applicable taxes and the duration of the loans.
Additionally, RDB is to probably improve some infrastructure (roads, water and electrical power supply), as well as coordinate the construction of the touristic resort.
UM– USEKE.RW
