Two weeks after the boat accident on Nyabarongo River, Rugarika Sector residents are complaining of economic hardship since all boat movements on the river were suspended as one of the preventive measures against maritime accidents.

The ill-fated boat capsized on January 3, killing 12 people among an estimated 25 passengers, as it sailed from Rugarika Sector, Kamonyi District, to Butamwa market in Mageragere Sector, Nyarugenge District.

Rugarika residents often use river transport to access markets including Butamwa in Mageragere, Kimisange and Nyamirambo in Nyarugenge District.

Most of them say they get their daily bread from Kigali, which is only accessed through the river.

They supply to these markets mainly agriculture produce including cassava, egg plants, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and fruits.

Anastase Mutsinzi, a father of six and resident of Ruramba Village, Masaka Cell in Rugarika, is one of the people affected by the suspension.

"The decision has been in place for just two weeks but we are already feeling the pinch. I do not know how I will send my children back to school,” said Mutsinzi, who says he has for years supplied agriculture produce to city markets.

To travel to and fro those markets by bus, one has to part with Rwf3,000, as opposed to the Rwf100 which residents used to pay to cross the river with their luggage.

Théogène Munyaneza, a local leader, says movement to the markets has been halted, apart from a few people who ride bicycles to Mageragere but he says the journey takes hours and most of them get there when buyers have left.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of Rugarika Sector, Pierre Celestin Nsengiyumva, said they held a meeting with sailors last Thursday and agreed on a number of requirements that all boats will have to fulfill before they are allowed to use the river.

"They pledged to have one or two Meritorious boats with insurance cover, to be ready at the River by Tuesday. We agreed that unless they have all requirements in place, they will not be allowed,” he said.

He advised operators who do not have the money to meet all safety standards to form cooperatives.

He said life jackets are on sale, mainly in Kigali, adding that a life jacket costs not more than Rwf15,000.

He cautioned passengers to expect an increase in water transport fares as boat owners are being required to invest more, but said instead of paying Rwf50 and get exposed to risks, one can pay Rwf150 and move safely.

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