Dear editor,

Following the heavy rains in Rubavu that left many injured and admitted in hospitals as a result of houses collapsing on them.

Now that the rainy season is looming and the rains are yet to get heavier what will become of all those people living in the popular mud-built houses?

These houses are very weak and easily suck up water and soak. With time the foundations which are also very weak can no longer withstand the weight of the house and when a simple wind blows, the house tumble down.

There was a time when the government passed a law that forbade the use of mud to build houses. This was taken seriously and heeded to by those residing in Rwanda’s cities.

However, what is being done for those in the rural parts of Rwanda?

They depend mostly on scanty incomes from farming and cannot afford to buy cement and other building materials. Surely the government does not expect them to buy cement, and other building materials?

One project that can be adopted with government’s active support to help poor people to build houses. In some areas I have heard cooperatives made up of villagers who were given sacks of cement to build houses and after the walls are up, 30 iron sheets are given for roofing.

This is what the government should do in order to help the people of Rubavu. In this way if rains and God forbid- earthquake pass by, people in these areas would be rest assured of safety.

Nyarugenge