The Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) has launched a national assessment to determine the insurance coverage of buildings across the country, official said. This comes after concerns raised by the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) following a surge in fire incidents that have disproportionately impacted uninsured properties. ALSO READ: Emergency Ministry calls for more fire extinguishers in secondary cities Figures by the ministry indicated that 228 houses were damaged by fire outbreaks in 2023 alone, while between June and August 2024, another 87 houses were destroyed, with many owners lacking insurance coverage. Alphonse Rukaburandekwe, RHA Director General, said that the assessment will provide crucial insights into insurance coverage gaps and guide subsequent interventions. Over the past few months, RHA has initiated a comprehensive data collection exercise to assess the insurance status of buildings across the country. This process is still ongoing, and we are working closely with stakeholders to compile and validate the data,” Rukaburandekwe told The New Times. “Once finalised, this will provide clarity on insured versus uninsured buildings and help inform further actions.” According to Adalbert Rukebanuka, Director General of Planning, Policy, and Risk Reduction at the Emergency Ministry, current challenges when it comes to fire incidents comprise “most of the buildings [that] are not insured for fire risks.” He highlighted that many residents in the cities live in densely populated areas with inadequate infrastructure, overcrowding with narrow alleyways. “These conditions make it difficult for firefighters to access and extinguish fires quickly, leading to the spread of fires rapidly from one structure to another as well as greater damage and loss of life,” he added. Informal settlements, limited resources, including firefighting equipment, personnel, and supplies, and limited public awareness about fire risks and safety measures increase the risk of short circuits and accidents. To address these challenges, RHA has established contracts with insurance companies that government institutions can leverage to insure their properties. We actively engage with these institutions through regular reminders and follow-ups to ensure compliance with insurance requirements, Rukebanuka added. ALSO: Western Province put on alert over climate resilience However, property owners who spoke to The New Times expressed concerns about a lack of awareness and effective communication with insurance companies regarding contract renewals. Many people are unaware of the importance of property insurance, said one property owner in Rubavu District. The insurance company I work with failed to notify me about my contract renewal.
