By Rene Anthere Rwanyange
Former President of Rwanda, Pasteur Bizimungu is investing nearly Rwf10 billion in a four-star hotel on the shores of Lake Kivu in Rubavu District, in a project expected to create up to 400 jobs and strengthen the district’s tourism and hospitality industry.
The hotel, being built on a 3,000-square-metre site, is now 70 per cent complete. It will feature a 1,000-seat conference hall, four restaurants, a rooftop lounge overlooking Lake Kivu and the Virunga Mountains, and several leisure facilities.
According to igihe.com, Bizimungu says that the project aims to meet four-star hotel standards. “It is a hotel we want to have four stars,” he adds. He estimates that the total investment could exceed Rwf10 billion slightly or fall below that figure, depending on the remaining construction and finishing costs.
Although the main structure is nearing completion, the opening timeline depends on interior design and furnishing works. These include reception areas, floor tiles and other finishing materials.
Bizimungu says that the remaining work could take between 12 and 18 months once contractors receive the required specifications and materials. The project is also entering an important business phase. Four potential investors are in discussions with the owners over management of the hotel.
Their proposals could influence some aspects of the building’s design to meet the operational needs of the future management team.
“We are in discussions with four investors who could manage the hotel. Some have made proposals concerning the building, meaning certain aspects could change,” Bizimungu says.
Conference tourism and leisure facilities
The hotel is designed to serve both business travellers and leisure tourists. Its biggest facility is a conference hall with a capacity of 1,000 people. It will use a theatre-style seating arrangement, commonly found in performance venues and large conference centres.
Bizimungu says that he has also held discussions with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) about expanding conference infrastructure in districts. The objective is to enable more destinations outside Kigali to host major meetings and international gatherings.
Although Rubavu attracts visitors seeking relaxation and recreation, he believes the district also has opportunities in business and conference tourism. The hotel will have four restaurants, outdoor seating areas, sunbathing facilities, a swimming pool, parking and a nightclub.
A rooftop entertainment area will offer panoramic views of Lake Kivu and the Virunga Mountains. Visitors will be able to relax, enjoy music and take in the surrounding landscape.
These facilities are intended to position the hotel as a destination for conferences, accommodation, dining and leisure activities.
Tourism opportunities drive investment
Bizimungu says that the investment idea comes from Rubavu’s potential to attract people seeking a break from work and everyday routines. “Rubavu has the capacity to accommodate people who spend the whole year working and then come to Lake Kivu to relax. That is where the idea came from,” he says.
He also wants the project to contribute to the development of the district’s tourism economy. Beyond hotel services, he plans to invest in water sports equipment to expand recreational activities on Lake Kivu.
“If we have the resources, we will acquire equipment for recreational activities on Lake Kivu, including water sports, as our contribution to Rwandans. We also want to make the most of the opportunities available in Rubavu,” he adds.
The area’s hot springs, commonly known as Amashyuza, are another attraction behind his investment decision. Bizimungu sees the natural hot springs as an opportunity to attract both domestic and international visitors.
The hotel also plans to introduce guests to Rubavu’s historical attractions. These include Mount Nengo, which has links to the First World War. The intention is to make the hotel a gateway to local tourism experiences. Guests will be able to learn about places to visit and activities available in the district.
Construction delayed by COVID-19
Construction of the hotel begins in 2018. The initial plan is to complete the first phase by 2022. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts the schedule and delays progress.
The current 70 per cent completion rate marks significant progress towards delivering the project. The remaining work will depend on the completion of interior designs, procurement of materials and decisions by the future hotel management team.
Once operational, the hotel is expected to employ between 300 and 400 people, creating opportunities in hospitality, catering, management, maintenance and other services.
The investment comes as Rubavu seeks to strengthen its position as one of Rwanda’s tourism and leisure destinations. Its location along Lake Kivu, access to natural attractions and proximity to Volcanoes National Park give the district opportunities to attract different categories of visitors.
Bizimungu’s project seeks to tap into these opportunities by combining accommodation, conference facilities, restaurants and recreational services in one location.
Pasteur Bizimungu served as Rwanda’s President after the Genocide perpetrated against Tutsi and the Liberation of the country in 1994, he remained in the office until 2000, and leave the duties with his personnel resignation. After his release from prison in 2007, under the Presidential Amnesty, he shifted away from active politics and focused on his private business activities, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sector.
