GATSIBO - The Association of Baptist Churches of Rwanda (AEBR) on Wednesday donated over 140 iron sheets to vulnerable families in Rugarama Sector, Gatsibo District.

According to Rev Pr. Japheth Nkuyemurugero, the donation is part of the inter-church association’s contribution towards the eradication of thatched houses (known as Nyakatsi) in the country.

The materials were presented to seven families from Remera and Bugarama cells that have been living under plastic sheeting with each family getting 20 iron sheets.
"We had a serious problem of getting iron sheets to roof our houses after abandoning Nyakatsi.

AEBR has really done a lot to salvage our lives,” one of the beneficiaries, Jeannine Muhayemariya said.

Nkuyemurugero, who is AEBR’s representative in the Akagera Zone, said the donation is part of a wider programme to keep residents healthy, both spiritually and physically.

"One cannot be spiritually stable when he or she lacks shelter. Our mission is to ensure availability of both,” he said.

According to Rugarama Sector officials, over 185 residents are scheduled to get iron sheets in the sector.The selection of beneficiaries was jointly carried out by AEBR officials and Rugarama Sector authorities.

John Mushumba, the Executive Secretary, thanked the clerics for their good gesture in helping the sector solve its problems.

Calling on other churches to emulate AEBR, Mushumba promised that those remaining on the needy list will also receive iron sheets soon.

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