The Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) paid tribute to 144 members of staff who were killed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi

The ministry now combines two former ministries; Transport and Communication (MINITRASCO); and Public Works and Energy (MINITRAPE).

MININFRA staff and all affiliated institutions Friday visited Nyamata Genocide Memorial in Nyamata town where over 45000 victims are buried.

Led by the State Minister for Energy and Water, Germaine Kamayirese, the team also visited Genocide survivors at Rutobotobo Village, Murama Cell, Nyamata Sector where 22 houses were renovated.

Genocide survivors thanked the ministry for rehabilitating their houses before the recent heavy rains that could have been disastrous for them.

One of the Genocide survivors, Tasiyana Uwimana, the only survivor in her father’s and husband’s families, said the houses had started cracking.

"The houses were built in 2010 and had started developing cracks,” she said.

Kamayirese appealed to Bugesera District authorities to house all Genocide survivors who do not yet have homes.

"It’s not justifiable for us to be having some Genocide survivors who do not have houses 24 years later,” Minister Kamayirese said.

Bugesera District has an exceptional history. It was a Tsetse fly infested region where Tutsis, especially from the northern parts of the country, were forcibly relocated with their cattle in the years that preceded the Genocide.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw