Disaster victims to receive roofing tiles instead of iron sheets

The Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (Midimar) will start providing roofing tiles instead of iron sheets to victims whose houses are destroyed by disasters, officials have said.This, according to Jean Baptiste Nsengimana, the Director of Research and Public Awareness at the ministry, aims not only to reduce the expenses but also quicken the assistance.“We used to spend too much money on buying iron sheets but with tiles we will reserve some money for other activities, he said.Nsengimana noted that for instance, a house measuring six by eight meters requires 30 iron sheets worth Rwf 150,000 whereas the same house would cost Rwf 85,000 to 98,000 if tiles were used.Long lasting“We not only opted for a cheaper way to assist our people but also use and promote our local products. Iron sheets are too expensive as they are imported and yet they are not long-lasting,” Nsengimana said.About Rwf 180 million was spent on buying iron sheets last year.Last year, 72 people lost their lives, 122 were injured, 3,176 houses were destroyed and crops on 2,580 hectares were destroyed by different disasters such as floods, landslides, strong winds and lightning. Midimar plans to open up strategic stores in each province so as to decentralise the service and quicken the assistance.“Our products will not only be given value but also the money we used to send abroad in importation fees will remain in the country,” Nsengimana said.

National

Disaster victims to receive roofing tiles instead of iron sheets