Rainstorm victims seek support

Sixty-one households were left homeless after a heavy down- pour at Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District last week. The heavy rains left homes severely damaged, crops destroyed and livestock dead. No major injuries were recorded. The most affected areas are Kagugu and Gasharu cells. According to different residents that The New Times spoke to, most of the damage inflicted on their homes resulted from the poor drainage channels. They also accused the local administration of not putting in place proper drainage facilities in the area. Pascal Ntibiringirwa’s family home, located in Muhororo village, Kagugu cell, is one of those that were destroyed as a result of the downpour. Kabani Speciose, one of the families having undergone rainfall disaster, whose maize plants were destroyed. He told The New Times that he was woken up at night by a neighbour asking for help as the walls of her house were collapsing. At the same time, Ntibiringirwa noticed that the walls in his children’s room were close to collapsing and he, fortunately, was able to evacuate them. “Now my main house, two rentals and toilet are destroyed. My family and I are now forced to share a single room. Our clothes, beddings and food were destroyed. ‘‘But I have begun to arrange things in order to see how I can renovate as quickly as possible,”he said. Jacqueline Nyirabanani’s family is in danger of destitution following the downpour. The pig farmer not only lost her entire herd, which was her only source of income; one side of her house was destroyed as well. “We are waiting for the government to help us as we have almost nothing left,” said Nyirabanani. After close to a week without any feedback from local government officials, some people are trying to repair their houses and fend for themselves while those without the financial means are living in their damaged homes. Akimana Beatrice one of the families having undergone rainfall disaster, whose fence was destroyed. (All photos by Timothy Kisambira) According to Félix Kayihura, Executive Secretary of Kinyinya Sector, most of the households that were severely affected by the downpour in Kinyinya were people who had been dwelling there for a long time. “The cause of all this damage is the lack of proper drainage channels in the area. This is due to the fact that people built their homes in a disorganised way, thereby making the building of water drainage facilities impossible,” he said. “Soon after the disaster, in collaboration with the village chiefs, we visited the families and compiled a report that was sent to MIDIMAR (Ministry for Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs) seeking support,” he explained. When contacted, Frederic Ntawukuriryayo, the Public Relations and Communication Officer at the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs said the ministry is still waiting for official request indicating the needed support. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Rainstorm victims seek support