Taskforce constituted to investigate fire incidents

Following a spate of fire incidents in the City of Kigali and Rubavu district, a taskforce composed of Rwanda National Police (RNP), Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA), Rwanda Housing Authority and the Ministry of Infrastructure (MININFRA) has been constituted to investigate the possible causes. A joint meeting on the issue was chaired Tuesday by the Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana, at the RNP headquarters in Kacyiru. EWSA, RHA and MININFRA have been included on the team because of their expertise. It should be noted that in the last two weeks alone, four fire incidents have been recorded, including one that destroyed part of the prison in Rubavu, which caused a stampede that killed five inmates. Although initial investigations indicate that some of the fires were due to poor or old electrical wiring systems, one can’t rule-out likely arson attempts by some individuals that could be having ulterior motives as was the case at Byimana school of Sciences in Ruhango District. The taskforce will, therefore, implement the instructions of the Prime Minister, the existing infrastructure standards and in line with the safety and security governing facilities and housing construction in the country. The investigation team will also be scaled-up to other parts of the country. In addition to a fleet of firefighting equipment, Rwanda National Police intends to procure six more fire engines before the end of the year and ten others by early next year, to reinforce its response to disasters in Kigali and other parts of the country. The training and development of servicemen, owners of buildings, private security guards on firefighting and management, and community awareness on how to prevent and contain fire outbreaks and crime prevention in general to effectively respond to such incidents, remains the core cause of the Rwanda National Police. Following the recent fire incidents, RNP appeals to the members of the public to continue with their usual cooperation in the investigation process. We encourage you to call in time, Police Fire and Rescue Unit on our rescue lines (111, 112 [toll-free],0788311224, 0788311120, 0788311335) so that it is contained before escalating.