Heavy rains across East Africa have caused major problems to road links for the region. The rains have resulted in roads being washed away in rural areas, while urban areas have also suffered badly. Storm drainage in many areas has proven unable to cope. Kenya’s busy capital Nairobi has seen roads that are normally heavily congested suddenly resemble rivers, with water washing away vehicles and various structures.
A number of key road links have been blocked as a result of floods and landslides. The highway connecting Rwanda’s capital Kigali with Gatuna had to be closed recently, causing delays to transport as the route is an important links with neighbouring Uganda.
Kenya’s Government is budgeting US$187 million to repair road links, while the Rwandan Government has estimated that road repairs to its flood-damaged routes will cost $28 million.
