Turkish Contractors Complete Kigali Convention Centre and Hotel Complex in Just One Year

In Kigali, Rwanda, a convention centre and hotel complex that a Chinese construction company managed to complete only 20 percent of over five years was completed by a Turkish company in just one year.

Located 6 kilometers from Kigali International Airport and 7 kilometers from the city centre, the complex was built on a 12.6-hectare site.

The Kigali Convention Centre, which also hosted the 27th African Union Summit in June 2016, is considered one of the most important venues not only in Rwanda but across Africa. The complex features a conference hall with a capacity of 2,600 people and the 292-room, five-star Radisson Blu Hotel.

Construction of the project was initially started in 2009 by a Chinese company, which managed to complete only 20 percent of the project in five years. Seeking to accelerate its completion, the Rwandan government turned to Turkish construction companies.

The convention centre and hotel, among the country’s most important landmarks, were completed by Turkish construction company Summa Group, which took over the project and finished it in a record time of just one year.

Construction Materials Sourced from Türkiye

For the complex, most of the construction and interior finishing materials were sourced from Türkiye. More than 1,500 Turkish workers worked around the clock for a year to complete the project, while another 1,500 Rwandan citizens were also given employment opportunities during its construction.

Featuring elements of traditional African architecture, the project, which was of great importance to the Rwandan government, cost approximately $300 million.

The convention centre hosts a wide range of events, including financial, regional and international summits, conferences, concerts, film festivals, exhibitions, sporting events, trade fairs, official receptions, and private occasions such as weddings. The centre also includes a cinema equipped for screening 3D films.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Rwanda’s Minister of Infrastructure, James Musoni, said: “The Turks completed this construction within one year. When finishing the project seemed almost impossible, they turned a dream into reality.”

Kaynak: https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/dunya/turk-insaat-sektoru-ruandada-goz-dolduruyor/821544