At last, joint efforts to help victims of the districts of Nyamasheke and Rusizi in the Western Province have come to pass. According to The New Times dated February 8, Members of the Chamber of Deputies called for urgent relief supplies to the victims of the earthquake catastrophe which claimed at least 38 lives and injured hundreds while others were displaced.

Experts believe that the Sunday tremors were the most powerful of the kind that ever occurred in the region.

The MPs tabled a motion before the Lower House expressing concern over how victims should get relief. This outcry came at a time when the Rwandans in the Diaspora of Britain met in London in a crisis meeting to raise funds for aid relief to those displaced by the earthquakes.

It is good to also hear that Western Province Governor, Penelope Kantarama has gone a step ahead to open up a bank account through which financial relief for the victims can be channeled.

I request that a standing committee on social welfare is appointed to make a follow up on the issue and ensure that quick aid is delivered to the victims.

KIMIHURURA