RUSIZI - Torrential rains coupled with a raging storm over the weekend destroyed buildings and banana plantations in Gashonga sector in Rusizi district.

According to the Executive Secretary of Gashonga sector, Nadine Michele Ingabire, the heavy afternoon downpour ripped off the roofs of three classrooms and latrines at Groupe scolaire de Murehe and destroyed several houses in Cyuma and Karemereye cells.

Residents who spoke to The New Times said that the rains and the accompanying storm started at around 1: 00 pm.  
 She added that the students whose classes were destroyed would continue with their studies from a nearby chapel hall as authorities prepare to rehabilitate the affected buildings.  

"The down pour and the accompanying storm proved to be disastrous but the situation has come back to normal. The district has agreed to provide us with 62 iron sheets in order to quickly renovate the affected classrooms,” she said.  

Ingabire added that the sector would provide free suckers to farmers whose banana plantations were destroyed.  

Donatira Nyirahategekimana, whose house and banana plantations were destroyed said: "I have been depending on my banana plantation for food and income but I am now left without any form of income generation … I have nothing to eat and have nowhere  to sleep. I appeal to the district and the government for help.”

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