WESTERN PROVINCE

RUBAVU — Rwanda Muslims association "AMUR” has donated iron sheets worth Frw2.2 m to some of the families whose houses were recently destroyed by strong winds in Gisenyi.

The materials were handed over this Tuesday to 11 families in Gisenyi Sector at Ecole Science de Gisenyi. Handing over the materials, the vice Mufti Saidi Bakare,  who led a delegation of Muslims from Kigali said that it was part of their responsibility to support and help people in need.

"We heard the tragedy that left you homeless. That is why we came to provide this small contribution to help some of you to renovate your houses whose roofs were taken away by the wind,” explained Bakare.

He said that the aid was not meant for only Muslims but also other people because the tragedy was a general problem.

"Just as our government promotes unity, we also work in unity irrespective of religion. I call upon other religions to always put unity before their religious affiliations,” he said.

The beneficiaries included eight Muslims and three other Christian families. According to the Rubavu district officer in charge of Welfare and Good governance, Martin Habimana, the district is doing every thing together with other donors to support the storm victims.

"Although we don’t have enough resources to re-construct all houses which were destroyed, we are working hand in hand with other donors and organisations to ensure they are provided with shelter,” he said.

Other aid from the central government was expected soon which he said will help most of the homeless people get shelter.

According to the official, the district authority together with the Red Cross had given out plastic sheeting to residents to erect temporary shelter as they waited for more aid.

The rains and storm destroyed plantations, residential houses, shops, and pulled down electric poles causing four days of power blackouts. The rains also destroyed a number of schools.

According to authorities, students were able to resume schooling after helping schools to put up temporary classrooms and the destroyed buildings are expected to be renovated during holidays.

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