MUSANZE - Water gushing from Mt. Karisimbi last weekend destroyed crops, infrastructure and property in the sectors of Gataraga, Kimonyi and Busogo in Musanze district.
Local authorities said at least 35 hectares of maize, Irish potatoes and tomatoes belonging to over 100 families were destroyed, while a 5km stretch of road linking Kimonyi, Muko and Nkotsi sectors was swept away.

The floods also destroyed over 3000 tree seedlings set to be planted during the upcoming tree planting week.

"We are facing a serious problem, all our crops have been destroyed, we need urgent help to ensure that we replant the gardens,’’ Damascene Hakuzimana, a resident of Cyogo cell, Kimonyi sector said.

After visiting the affected residents, Cyprian Gatete, from the Ministry of Disaster preparedness and refugee affairs, said that the ministry will provide food rations and collaborate with local leaders to see that the victims obtain seeds for replanting.

He observed that the cutting down of bamboo forests along Mt. Karisimbi for cultivation has been the main cause of erosion and advised local authorities to ensure terracing and planting of trees along the mountains.

The district vice Mayor, Jerome Mugenzi, said that authorities have intensified campaigns to ensure that people living close to the Virunga are relocated to other designated settlements.

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