SOUTHERN PROVINCE

MUHANGA — The roof of Kabgayi Catholic parish cathedral has collapsed.

The extent of damage was not immediately determined but officials said no one was injured. Tiles stretching to about 20 meters were ripped off on both sides of the building.

Church officials said on Tuesday that the incident happened in the late afternoon of Saturday. The repair of the damage is estimated to cost Frw1billion

The cause of the collapse was blamed on the recent quake tremors that cracked a large part of the wall surface. They also said the building was weakened by heavy gun bombing during the 1994 liberation war.

Some residents, who witnessed the construction of the 86-year old church, attributed it to poor architecture during the construction. They alleged that the affected spot acted as the junction.

Kabgayi cathedral church was officially constructed by the late Brother Adelphe in 1922 and contains the biggest history and archives of the Catholic Church in Rwanda.

A bank account number will soon be announced on Radio Maria and the national radio for donors.

"The incident has affected one of the historical church monuments in catholic history, and I call upon all Rwandans and donors to help the church to restore this history,” Pasteur Abbe Anaclet said.    

Abbe Anaclet noted that all masses that take place at the cathedral have been put on a hold until further notice.

He said, "All Sunday masses will be celebrated at Nazareth Center in Mbare, while other masses which take place during the week, will be held at the parish hall.”

Ends