Outcry as flooded river banks destroy crops, homes

Musanze residents have appealed to district officials for sustainable measures to curb disasters caused by waters from Volcanoes National Park flooding various river banks. The appeal follows Sunday and Monday incidents where Muhe, Susa and Rwebeye rivers overflowed, destroying property and crops. Musanze, Muhoza and Muko sectors are the most affected. Officials and Police confirmed the incident, but said the value of destroyed crops and property was yet to be ascertained. Residents say such incidents were common and attributed the floods to the poor management of rivers, urging the district to take proper measures in maintenance of the water bodies. They said most attempts to curb disasters were done by local people using rudimental materials such as hoes and called on district officials to use experts to find a lasting solution. Musanze is one of districts neighbouring the park where rain waters gushing from the highlands are rampant and disasters are commonplace. Jean Nepomuscene Sebasaza, a resident of Muhoza, said River Susa has sharp bends that accelerate the speed of waters from other streams whenever it rains. “Rivers have been threatening lives of nearby residents for many years. Crops and properties have been destroyed despite efforts to curb disasters caused by floods. Although this place is not prone to disasters, there is a lack of sustainable maintenance of rivers,” Sebasaza said. “District officials promised to bring tractors, but nothing is being done, all we see is local individuals hired but they do nothing special,” he added. Musanze residents work on Rwebeya River after Mondays floods. Triphonia Akimanizanye, another resident whose property and crops were also washed away, said it was luck that no lives were lost [during the Sunday and Monday incidents]. “It happened when I was outside and the waters entered my house washing away all the belongings. My crops were also washed away. We need something to be done to deal with rivers around,” Akimanizanye said. Musanze mayor Winfride Mpembyemungu said there were plans to extend rivers to pave ways for waters whenever it happens. “There are plans to expand those three rivers to ease the flow of water, but we also urge farmers to be vigilant while farming and leave at least two metres from the banks in order not to weaken the land and facilitate disasters,” Mpembyemungu said, adding that assessments of lost property were ongoing.

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Outcry as flooded river banks destroy crops, homes