Heavy storms leave city Nyabugogo traders in tears

Property worth millions of francs was destroyed following Saturday’s heavy downpour and storm, which devastated most parts of Kigali City.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Property worth millions of francs was destroyed following Saturday’s heavy downpour and storm, which devastated most parts of Kigali City.The storm, which lasted for almost two hours, also claimed three lives, according to local authorities.The business people The New Times talked to could not hold back their tears as they narrated their sad stories.Hagir’Imana Dodo, a restaurant owner in Nyabugogo Taxi Park, said he lost nearly 75 per cent of his property in the floods. "I have lost all my business and now I don’t know where to start from,” Hagir’Imana narrated.Christine Uwimana, a clothes dealer, had a similar story. She said all she could do was to watch helplessly as her entire business was being swept away by heavy floods. According to Police in Nyabugogo Taxi Park, traders are still flocking the Police station to check if their merchandise has been recovered. Franso Higiro, a Police officer at Nyabugogo Police post, said yesterday Police and local authorities were doing all they can to ensure that recovered  merchandise goes to the rightful owners.