In response to previous disasters that hit Rubavu District, the government has initiated a fresh evaluation of relocating families residing near the Sebeya River. The re-evaluation is being carried out by a collaborative technical team comprising various Ministries, parastatals such as the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB), security organizations, the Western Province administration, and local authorities. It aims at determining the residents who are situated within high-risk zones near the Sebeya River and should consequently be relocated. The joint technical team recently conducted a visit to areas that were impacted by recent heavy floods. They also engaged in discussions with residents from Kanama, Nyundo, and Rugerero Sectors. Over time, the Sebeya River has experienced overflow, causing damage to properties and tragically claiming the lives of individuals residing along its banks. According to the Deputy Government Spokesperson, Alain Mukuralinda, a joint technical team has been on the ground for a week conducting an analysis aimed at identifying homes, commercial buildings and infrastructures in high-risk zones nearby Sebeya River. “Residents in ten meters away from the river have to relocate immediately, there is no other choice and everything within ten meters has to be removed, too,” Mukuralinda said while briefing media after the meeting, unveiling that no expropriation is to be taken. ALSO READ: Govt completes construction of River Sebeya flood retention dam He said misinformation has been circulating on relocation and as a result, a team had to be dispatched on ground to provide clarity. It was reportedly earlier that people and businesses within 50 meters away from the river have to move but Mukuralinda assured that the assessment will very soon demonstrate who has to relocate or stay. The new development comes after Rwanda Meteorology Agency recently warned of strong wind and heavy rainfall by August 2023 causing a panic to those who were asked to relocate to other places. Meanwhile, the government has assured to continue supporting flood victims who were left homeless with rent until they are accommodated. Teta Mukabarisa a trader in Mahoko Trading Center welcomed the move by the government towards addressing Sebeya related issues. “I am hopeful that I won’t lose all my assets. We are very happy waiting for the assessment’s report on the way forward,” Mukabarisa said. According to recent official data obtained by The New Times, Rubavu district registered 1564 houses, 855 of them completely damaged, in different areas of the district while 5,963 houses were destroyed across the country, leaving 20,326 people homeless.
