Genocide survivors in Gasharu Cell, Kinyinya Sector have expressed relief following the renovation of twenty houses that were close to collapse by FARG (Genocide Survivors Assistance Fund).

According to the occupants, the houses had been poorly constructed in the first place.

In addition to the renovated houses, FARG also funded the construction of four ‘Four in One’ houses. A ‘Four in One’ home is the house that can be shared by four families. According to various beneficiaries that The New Times spoke to, the renovations were a long time coming.

Callixte Muyango, a resident in Gasharu Cell, Kinyinya Sector, revealed that he had been living in a dilapidated home for nine years.

"We have been living in the house for many years. I appreciate the improvements. We were afraid that stray dogs would enter our homes through the holes in the walls and attack us at night. In addition, cold wind would also enter through the same holes. During the rainy season, it was very tough”, he remembered.

Therese Umwanayezu, 81, thanked the government for the home renovations, saying that they will allow her to enjoy her retirement.

"I firstly thank our creator, God, and the Good Samaritans who thought about us. Such an act shows us that there are people who are burdened by the poor living condition of others. I appreciate my special house. I have never had such a nice home. I am now 81and I never thought that I would receive such blessings at my age.

What can we do for our president? We will continue appreciating his mandate until the time God wishes.

All this is derived from good governance. I expect another twenty years of joy”, she said standing outside her home.

Felix Kayihura, the Executive Secretary of Kinyinya Sector, said that the homes were built in a hurried manner resulting in their poor quality.

"The houses were built in 2005 to help the many vulnerable genocide orphans and widows who lived in different places in Kigali in poor conditions. The constructors used poor materials like mud bricks among others to build these homes. After awhile we received claims from the occupants that the houses were damaged. We registered the twenty houses which required renovation and then reported the problem”, Kayihura said.

Theophile Ruberangeyo, FARG Director General, told The New Times that the renovation of poorly constructed houses was an ongoing process.

"We have registered 46 houses in three sectors in Gasabo District; Kinyinya, Remera, and Ndera, that require renovation and we will also do it soon”, Ruberangeyo said.