Researchers and academicians have been urged to contribute toward preventing, minimising and mitigating the risks associated with natural and human-made disasters. The call was made on Tuesday afternoon during a disaster management awareness campaign at the University of Rwanda’s Huye Campus. The session, which is part of the one-week Disaster Reduction Week that started early this month, attracted students, lecturers, researchers, academicians and other staff members at the university. Seraphine Mukantabana Speaking at the conference, the Minister for Disaster Management and Refugees Affairs, Seraphine Mukantabana, said researchers and academicians had many skills and experience to offer in the fight against disasters. She pointed out that they could provide fact-based analysis on vulnerabilities that could cause disasters, as well as coming up with solutions to minimise the risks and losses and identifying certain areas in the country prone to disasters. Disasters have claimed the lives of at least 76 people and injured 125 over the past ten months, according to official figures. 1,725 houses and 1,183 hectares of plantations were also destroyed over the same period. “The most important action against disasters is prevention and mitigation of risks, and that is where researchers can intervene,” Mukantabana told The New Times shortly after the session. Taking the example of the construction sector, Mukantabana said researchers could begin studying and developing technology that fits the Rwandan hilly topography and which could limit houses’ vulnerability to such disasters as winds, floods and landslides. “Such a technology could be a long-term solution to the challenges that come with constructing houses on hilly areas which are vulnerable,” Mukantabana said. Dr Usta Kaitesi, the Principal of UR’s College of Arts and Humanities, said they were ready to give their contribution towards the prevention and mitigation of disasters. “Such discussions open doors for curiosity towards new research fields and we are ready to help,” Kaitesi said, also pledging to involve the university community in raising awareness on disasters within society.
