The torrential rain that pounded the country last week caused damage worth millions of francs in Huye District.

Although the exact extent of the damage was still being assessed, the Huye vice-mayor for finance and economic development, Cyprien Mutwarasibo, said about nine houses were destroyed in Karama and Mbazi sectors, while seven hectares of maize plantation in the Gatobwe marshland were affected.

That is in addition to three hectares of rice in Rwabuye marshland that were flooded.

Close to five years have elapsed since the district authorities told residents living near the Rwabuye marshland to relocate, but some had refused to leave saying that they could not afford to move.

Mutwarasibo said about 32 households were supposed to relocate from the flood-prone area.

According to the vice mayor, the district built houses for ten households that were identified as needy.

"The television and other [electronic] devices I have been using in my bar, the children’s clothes and beds, among other things, have been damaged by the rain,” said Charles Hategekimana, a resident of Gatobotobo Cell in Mbazi Sector.

Relocation

Hategekimana said his family delayed to relocate owing to lack of support.

"I slept outside last night and I’m worried about my accommodation. I wish I could get a roof over my head outside this flood-prone area,” said Julienne Mukamusoni, also from Gatobotobo Cell.

She appealed for government support to relocate to a safe place.

Jean Chrysostom Rucahobatinya, another resident from Mbazi Sector, said the Rwanda Environment management Authority (REMA) and the district leadership should help them relocate.

"If it had rained during the night, people would have died. It is not the first time such disaster has occurred.  For a long time, we have been warned to leave the area. But now it is clear that relocating is important; we should not stay in this risky place,” said Bernadette Nyirabakira, who is one of the residents whose new homes are being built by the district in a safe area.

Residents have requested that government give them plots and iron sheets in order to relocate.

Mutwarasibo said the district would listen to the residents ‘concerns and consider how to help them accordingly.

"It is noticeable that rain continue to get heavy. What we ask residents to do is to relocate so that they save their lives. We want to help them to get out of the marshland,” Mutwarasibo said.