EASTERN PROVINCE

GATSIBO—One of the biggest markets in Gatsibo has been relocated due to heavy rains. The area around Rwagitima market, which operates every Wednesday, became swampy after heary downpours around the region.

The market has been shifted to the upper side of the Kayonza-Nyagatare main road, which is dry and appears to be more convenient for a market.

The relocation was a directive from Governor Theonest Mutsindashaka, which he made while inspecting and assessing the damage of the flood-affected areas in Rugarama sector last week.

"All the people living in areas that are always affected by heavy rains in Rugarama are to be relocated to other safer premises as soon as possible and that includes the Rwagitima market and the church,” Mutsidashyaka said.

"There is no reason as to why people should continue living in these areas where they are at risk of losing their lives,” Mutsindashaka said.

The residents, who are stubbornly encroaching and putting up gardens in the hills on the land that was not allocated to them, were warned and called upon to stop the practice immediately.

Vice-mayor of Gastibo district Bossa Rwemarika said that the relocation exercise of the market had gone "very well” and that the traders were voluntarily shifted without any force from the authorities.

"As for the houses, people have voluntarily given shelter to their neighbors and the selected areas where the affected are to be relocated have been identified,” Rwamarika said.
 
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