RUSIZI - Over 140 hectares of rice fields have been destroyed by heavy rains in Muganza and Bugarama sectors in Rusizi district.

Victor Sebagabo, the Executive Secretary of Muganza Sector yesterday told The New Times that the destructive rains started in the morning and continued up to night.

"Torrential rain has swept away over 120 hectares of rice in this sector and many other plantations were also seriously affected,” Sebagabo said.

He added that this would affect residents’ food security and by extension their economic livelihoods.

Egide Katera, the Executive Secretary of Bugarama Sector, said that over 20 hectares of rice and maize crops had been destroyed in his sector.

Sources also said that the road leading to CIMERWA cement factory has also been partly blocked. By press time local residents together with security organs were trying to clear the blocked road.

Calling for calm, Katera however said that residents fear that the pounding rains would continue to destroy their crops.

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