The Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) has secured over $26 million (approximately over Rwf 33 billion) in form of a loan and grant from the World Bank to support building homes for families within disaster-affected districts across the country. The move is part of a disaster recovery program following devastating heavy rains that displaced people on May 2 and May 3, 2023, killing at least 135 and leaving some families homeless. ALSO READ: Minister Murasira urges soil erosion control measures to prevent flooding in Rubavu According to the emergency ministry, the funds were allocated for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 6,218 houses, of which 2,830 are ongoing, 2,052 completed and 1,335 remain. According to Major General (Rtd) Albert Murasira, “constructing and rehabilitating homes for families-hit by disasters is done within the government’s capacity [but] it is running well.” “We have constructed houses for those who had plots, and now we’re dealing with expropriation for those who are remaining and building them their houses. We have secured the funds, and we will conclude this program by next year in June; everyone will have their house completed,” said Minister Murasira. For Lambert Dushimimana, the Governor of Western Province, even though the region has a high risk of disasters, “the population is getting used to surviving and coping with them.” Fred Mpazimpaka, a resident of Rubavu District appreciates President Paul Kagame for quickly responding and keeping his pledge towards supporting the community affected by the devastating floods along River Sebeya. Figures from Rubavu district show that 5,048 families were affected by the floods, with some left homeless, and many business activities near the Sebeya River disrupted in 2023. Currently, the district reports 1,390 houses funded by the World Bank. Of these, 568 are under construction, 602 have already been handed over to families, and 220 are pending completion, according to figures from MINEMA.
