The Minister for Emergency Management (MINEMA), Maj Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira, has said that locally developed lightning arresters are expected to undergo testing before the end of this year.

The project is part of efforts to reduce the impact of lightning, one of the natural disasters that affect different parts of the country during the rainy season.

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The lightning arresters are being developed through a partnership between MINEMA, the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), Rwanda Polytechnic (RP), and the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST).

Murasira gave the update on Monday, June 29, while appearing before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, National Unity and Security, which was reviewing measures to prevent and reduce the impact of disasters. The committee met officials from Meteo Rwanda and MINEMA.

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Addressing senators, Murasira said infrastructure remains key to reducing disaster risks.

"Installing lightning conductors on buildings and places where many people gather is meant to protect citizens,” he said, adding that lightning protection systems have been installed in high-risk districts, including 129 sites in Rutsiro and 41 in Ngororero.

Challenges in disaster prevention and management

Talking about natural disasters in general, Murasira pointed to persistent challenges in risk reduction including human settlement patterns, weak housing structures, limited resources, non-compliance with regulations, and low public awareness as additional constraints.

He also pointed out that disaster risk hotspots are increasing, requiring continuous mapping and relocation of exposed communities. He cautioned that some families return to high-risk zones after being relocated during rainy seasons.

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Meteo Rwanda Director General Aimable Gahigi told lawmakers that improved weather monitoring equipment is strengthening data collection and forecasting.

"Gauges like the new one in Huye, which take two measurements per day, help improve the quality of data collected,” he said.

Senators, however, called for broader climate monitoring beyond rainfall, wind and water systems.

Senator Amandin Rugira, Deputy Chairperson of the committee, questioned the narrow scope of existing systems.

"There is a focus on water, wind and rains, but no focus on temperature, while in some countries temperatures are rising to levels that could even be life threatening,” he said.

Senator Charles Murigande pointed to progress in flood control works in Rubavu, particularly along Sebeya River, where drainage systems have helped reduce incidents over the past three years.

He also referenced discussions with the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board (RMB), which indicated Rwanda lies in a seismically active zone prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, calling for stronger technical capacity.