KIGALI - MTN Rwanda has announced a Frw20 million donation to families whose property was destroyed by the recent earthquake that hit parts of the Western province.
KIGALI - MTN Rwanda has announced a Frw20 million donation to families whose property was destroyed by the recent earthquake that hit parts of the Western province.
A press release from MTN Rwanda noted that the money will help Nyamasheke district officials in resettling people who were left homeless; it will be used to procure construction material for dozens of houses to be elevated.
On February 3, two earthquakes measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale hit the Western Province killing almost forty people and leaving hundreds more injured.
In addition to the human losses, the devastating earthquake destroyed physical infrastructure like schools, medical centres, churches and personal property.
"We share the pain and suffering that our brothers and sisters in these affected areas have been going through,” Andrew Rugege, MTN Chief Operating Officer said.
"The donation is meant to relieve their suffering by providing them with shelter, which remains a fundamental basic need,” he said.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the affected population, Vincent Muragwa, Mayor of Nyamasheke District hailed MTN’s contribution saying it would significantly help in resettling the homeless by providing them with construction materials. He called upon other corporate companies to emulate MTN’s example.
"We are grateful and humbled by your contribution coming to the rescue of many of our people whose houses were completely destroyed but again whose hopes of owning a home again have been rejuvenated by such noble contributions,” said Muragwa.
Last year, MTN Rwanda donated FRW 400 million to rescue flood victims that hit parts of the Northern Province. The floods left thousands homeless and dozens dead.
As part of its corporate social activities, MTN has supported different initiatives in the areas of sports, education, HIV/Aids, environmental protection, entertainment and cultural promotion.
In the meantime, MTN Rwanda announce that it will soon launch two new base stations installed in the sectors of Macuba and Karambi of Nyamasheke district.
Ends