500 families begin to relocate from Rubavu hill

RUBAVU – Local district authorities have ordered more than 500 living on Rubavu hill to relocate to Byahi, following Sunday’s heavy rains and floods which killed four people.According to the directive, the families were scheduled to relocate not later than Tuesday. The Friday floods triggered by the heavy down pour, destroyed houses and several people were injured. “Tents have been provided and some people have started relocating.Those who have not moved will relocate not later than Wednesday,” Jacqueline Bakunduseruye, the vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs said. “We are working with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and security organs and local government to make the exercise successful. We shall address their concerns when they arrive at the new site.” The residents had resisted earlier efforts to be relocated.“I had earlier on resisted against this move but I have since changed my mind,” one resident who gave his name only as Mukabarame said. Sources said the Western Province governor, Celestin Kabahizi last month donated iron sheets to the residents to encourage them to shift. But they were reluctant to move, claiming they needed to leave their residences after constructing new houses. Ends