WESTERN PROVINCE

RUSIZI — Residents of Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts, hit by the February earthquake have received items worth Frw68 million donated by Compassion International.

The items donated on Thursday, included 3,648 blankets, 1,824 kitchen utensils, 1, 824 basins, 489 plastic tents commonly called sheeting, 1,824 lanterns and 1,824 plastic mats.

The items were donated through different churches working with Compassion International in both districts. At least 1,824 children received similar items. Each child got one plastic mat, a blanket, a set of kitchen utensils, a basin shirting and a hurricane lantern.

Speaking to The New Times shortly after handing over the items at Eglise Methodiste in Kamembe sector, Alfred Mupenzi, an official in charge of Complementary Interventions said their kind gesture e was out of understanding the plight of the quake victims.

"Our organization felt remorseful for the tragedy that occurred in both Rusizi and Nyamasheke districts. So that is why we decided to donate a variety of items to the victims through our church partners in the region in order to relieve them. Helping the needy is part of us as a Christian organization,” Mupenzi said.

Referring to the bible teaching on alms giving, Mupenzi appealed to residents to always help each other whenever they face any problem. He also urged residents to work hard in order to improve their living standards.

On behalf Compassion International he committed more support to the victims in form of renovating some of their houses later in July.

Janet Tuyisenge who was among the beneficiaries said, "I am very happy to have got a blanket and such a nice plastic mat and other house utensils. The items were my major problem since I lost my house properties during the earthquake. I thank Compassion for their donation to us it’s really of great importance.”

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