Victims of croc attacks to get compensation

Families who lost loved ones to the recent crocodile attacks will be compensated by the Special Guarantee Fund. The latest victim, Oreste Habamenshi, 53, was killed Friday morning when he went to fetch water. His wife, Donata Mukanyana, 43, appealed for help, saying that as a single mother she cannot afford to cater for their six children. The government set up the Special Guarantee Fund (SGF) to compensate victims of accidents or damages caused by uninsured and non-identified automobiles and wild animals. The recent attacks have terrorised residents of Kamonyi District in the environs of Nyabarongo River. The Director General of the Special Guarantee Fund, Joseph Nzabonikuza, told The New Times that they are already in process to compensate two families that lost members to the recent crocodiles’ attacks, adding that they are working closely with local governments. “There are forms to fill which we distributed to the families that lost their members in recent attacks and some already got back to us. So, we are in the process of compensating them, though we cannot bring back their loved ones,” Nzabonikuza said, adding that when determining the compensation, they look back at the life of the victim and his contribution to the family to try and fill the gap left. After defining the victim’s contribution to the family, Nzabonikuza said, the Fund decides the type of help they give to the family in addition to funeral costs if the body was recovered. Habamenshi’s body is yet to be found. Rugarika residents are used to fetch water at Nyabarongo river. Courtesy. To prevent further crocodile attacks, Southern Province leaders cautioned Kamonyi residents against fetching water from Nyabarongo River. On Monday, the Governor of Southern Province, Marie Rose Mureshyankwano met with Kamonyi Security Council during which they came up with immediate and long-term measures to protect residents who live close by the river. After the meeting, the group went to the river banks where they met with residents of Rugarika sector where they discussed measures that included barring residents from accessing the river. “We are looking for a solution to stop these attacks,” Mureshyankwano said. ‘‘For now, people are not allowed to fetch water in the river. Local leaders have been informed. This strategy has worked for Mageragere Sector in Nyarugenge District and can work for Kamonyi as well,’’ Mureshyankwano said. The governor added that they are now working with the water utility agency - Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) - to pump water from the river and bring it closer to the residents. “I request you not to use this water (river) anymore. We know that you do not have water near you, but do not risk your life by coming to the river. We are working on a long-term solution,” she told the residents. The governor noted that Kamonyi District has allocated funds to extend water to area residents. Mureshyankwano says local government will approach families of the victims find out how best they can be helped, noting that it is the least they can do as life lost can never be compensated. Josiane Akingeneye, a resident of Rugarika, told The New Times that she will now have to resort to other options. “I will now have to walk a kilometre to get water as we wait for WASAC to provide a solution. I don’t want to be killed by these predators or face legal action because I disobeyed orders from the authorities,” Akingeneye said. Alexis Harindimana, 28, says that the authorities should also consider relocating the crocodiles to a game park or create safe zones along the river banks. editorial@newtimes. co.rw

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Victims of croc attacks to get compensation