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MWENEZI — Residents of Ward 18 in Mwenezi Rural District have applauded the Rural District Council (RDC) for constructing a new railway level crossing in Rutenga Growth Point, saying it has improved connectivity, cut travel distances and boosted public safety.
The crossing now directly links the eastern and western sides of Rutenga, giving residents and motorists a safer, shorter route across the railway .
Mwenezi RDC District Engineer Phillip Madenga said the project was driven by the rapid expansion of Rutenga Growth Point and the need to improve access between the two sides of the settlement.
“As the growth point continues to expand, we constructed a railway level crossing linking residents on the eastern side of the suburb with those on the western side. Traffic movement is now much easier because people no longer have to travel long distances to reach the other side,” Madenga said.
For residents, the impact has been immediate.
Ward 18 resident Lovelace Munarwo said the crossing has transformed daily life by making it easier to access homes, workplaces and businesses.
“This development has made our lives easier. The distance has been cut, and people can now get to their workplaces and properties on time. Before the construction of the railway level crossing, residents were exposed to dangers such as robberies, muggings and rape cases because they had to walk long distances to and from Old Farm suburb,” Munarwo said.
He added that motorists have also benefited, as they previously had to take a much longer detour to reach the western side of the suburb.
The railway crossing is part of Mwenezi RDC’s ongoing efforts to upgrade infrastructure and service delivery in the district as Rutenga Growth Point continues to grow.
Council officials say more projects targeting roads, water and public safety are planned as the district prepares for increased economic activity in the area.
