The Ministry of Disaster Preparedness and Refugee Affairs has embarked on campaigns to sensitize the public how to minimize losses caused by disasters.

The minister, Gen. Marcel Gatsinzi, said that some disasters are manmade and could have been avoidable had the public been more knowledgeable.

"We have realized that some disasters are brought about by our people, like fire outbreaks in homes and markets. This mainly breaks out due to poor planning,” said Gatsinzi, stressing that awareness will make a difference.

"We have conducted a number of workshops in several parts of the country to ensure that Rwandans are equipped with adequate knowledge about disaster prevention and management.”

The National Disaster Steering Committee will convene tomorrow to discuss possible mechanisms of how disasters can be better managed and to seek quick recovery mechanisms for victims.

Meanwhile, Capt Jean Damascene Kayitana, the acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, said that they signed an agreement with a British company to train fire-fighters.

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