Kibuye port closed over ebola, cholera fears

WESTERN PROVINCE Following an outbreak of cholera in Western Province after floods in Busogo, the government has begun a campaign to sensitize and find immediate solutions to prevent further spreading to other areas. As a part of this, the Kibuye ship-landing site, as well as market, had been temporarily closed until further notice. According to state minister in charge of HIV/AIDS, Innocent Nyaruhirira, the market has “very poor” sanitation, as well as direct exchange between Congolese and Rwandan merchants. “This market hosts a lot of responsibility, but does not have even latrines,” said Nyaruhirira. “The boats from the Congo do not have toilets as well so they contaminate Bugarura Island,” one reason, he said, for the cholera outbreak. Kibuye’s landing site and market have been the soul of the town for years, and marks as a major transit point to Gitarama and Kigali. “It would be better for the market to stop for a given time than people die as a result of its poor hygiene,” Nyaruhirira said. The site will only be reopened after the boats from the Congo are self-contained with toilets and after the market has as well met health standards. Nyaruhirira called upon the media to work hand-in-hand with the authorities in its awareness mission. Ends