KIGALI - The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local government, Eugene Balikana, has announced that the government has set May as the final deadline for completely phasing out thatched houses in the country.

He made the remarks while briefing the press after a meeting that brought together several ministers, top army and police officers, governors and other government officials to strategize on how to eliminate thatched houses.

"With the help of the Ministry of Local Government, the army, police and other groups, there will be an official launch of construction of houses for the vulnerable people who still live in thatched houses,” said Balikana. He added that the campaign will be launched on January 18.
Currently, there are about 68,951 vulnerable people across the country who stand to benefit.

Balikana added that districts and province officials will be sensitizing those who still live in thatched houses but can afford to build their own houses, to start constructing and the government will assist them with iron sheets.

He emphasized that among the key reasons for phasing out thatched houses is because they pose health hazards, adding that as the country develops, the living standards of the people should also improve.

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