The authorities in Rwanda have introduced new buses described as more convenient for people with disabilities to board and disembark without any further assistance, APA learnt Tuesday from the Infrastructure ministry in Kigali.
The statement issued by the ministry of Infrastructure in Kigali said that the Rwanda Federation of Transport Cooperatives (RFTC) purchased 11 buses from China that are designed to enable people with disabilities board them.
It said that RFTC has invested some $1.1 million to pilot this project for which the ultimate goal is to allocate more resources and serve the whole country.
“We want persons with disability to start enjoying friendly and accessible public transport in the entire public transport system” said Louis Dodo Twahirwa, Chairman of Jali Holdings Ltd Executive, promoter of the project.
Commenting on the move, the Rwandan Minister of Infrastructure, Claver Gatete explained that the public transport policy and strategy was designed to ensure universal public transport services for all citizens irrespective of age, sex, caste, creed, and ability to perform in the society.
“These efforts should also ensure access to all modes of transport for infirm, disabled and elderly people,” the Rwandan official said.
Currently, the transport sector contributes about 7 percent to Rwandan GDP, and represents 15 percent of total service delivery, according to official estimates.
Reports indicate that most of the transport infrastructure in the national economy has been continuously growing since 1995, and is expected to grow further by putting strategic programmes and projects in place.
CU/as/APA