Tanzania Portland Cement Company Limited, better known as Twiga Cement, has donated 1,280 bags of cement to the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) as its contribution to help restore and rebuild houses for victims of the recent disasters in parts of Rwanda’s Western, Northern and Southern provinces.

The company is one of the largest cement-manufacturing companies in Tanzania and is part of the Heidelberg Cement Group. It was established in 1966 with the principal activity of manufacturing and selling of cement.

Philippe Habinshuti, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management, appreciated Twiga Cement for the assistance and commitment to helping those affected by the disasters.

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"We are grateful for the support for both short and long-term needs we continue to receive from individuals and organisations from Rwanda and international friends following the disasters,” he said.

Augustin Mukama, envoy of Twiga Cement Limited during the construction materials delivery, said that the company couldn’t sit idle during these sad disaster incidents.

"We believe that a friend in need is a friend indeed, Rwanda is a great partner and Twiga Cement recognises that. In addition to other various sorts of support provided to victims currently, assistance is also required to rebuild houses and infrastructure that will allow them to go back to their normal life,” he said.

He said that providing construction materials to disaster-affected people through the Ministry of Emergency Management is an expression of sympathy to the affected population and the Government of Rwanda.

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The support is timely as in the next months, MINEMA in collaboration with other government organisations and partners, will undertake an initiative to build new houses in safer areas for vulnerable victims whose homes were completely destroyed.

The type of cement donated, he noted, is the best quality, known as "Twiga Plus”, which is recommended for big infrastructures.

"It is rapid hardening cement ready for early strength or higher strength class,” he noted.

As the Government of Rwanda works with other partners to rebuild and recover, the Ministry in charge of Emergency calls for other individuals and organisations to support this.

The support being provided through all communicated channels will make a significant contribution in helping the affected to recover and rebuild their lives.

Up to 5,963 houses were destroyed, leaving 20,326 people homeless.