Local leaders in Western Province have called for the installation of early warning systems as one of the sure measures to prevent or mitigate natural disaster risks.

This was part of key recommendations to Rwanda Space Agency (RSA) raised during the ongoing national Space Week 2023 held in Rubavu district, on Friday, September 22, aimed at bridging the gap between the agency and public institutions.

Western Province is a mountainous region that is part of the volcanic region frequently recording heavy rainfall which often results in devastating floods, erosion and landslides.

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Déogratias Nzabonimpa, the officer in charge of economic development and acting Mayor of Rubavu District, and the Mayor of Karongi District, Vestine Mukarutesi, are among the leaders who recommended the use of early warning systems.

"We should have early warning systems for emergency issues such as Nyiragongo volcano since our District suffers from the earthquakes during its eruption. It’s vital to have such facilities in place and enough data,” Nzabonimpa said.

For the Mayor of Rusizi District, Anicet Kibiriga, monitoring applications in collecting data at District level will be helpful in disaster management.

He said: "Aren&039;t there any monitoring apps for collecting information on the ground within a certain area? If we get them, for example, they can help us be updated or monitor from our offices.”

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Space Agency (RSA), Francis Ngabo, a joint commission is looking into new strategies to address the challenges.

"We are working with other stakeholders through a joint commission to establish an early warning system. But we should keep working hand in hand with other institutions in information sharing,” he stated.

Satellite data, according to RSA, are very useful in a variety of areas including agriculture, transport and environment among others.