Transport is still halted, and crops destroyed, after River Rubyiro burst its banks, damaging a bridge connecting three sectors in Rusizi District.ALSO READ: Weather forecaster warns of likely flooding to affect roadsThe River Rubyiro in southwestern Rwanda flooded after three days of heavy rain from December 26 to 28. It is a left-hand tributary of the River Rusizi.The river meets the River Rusizi, which forms the boundary between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, approximately two kilometres upstream from the point where the River Ruhwa, forming the boundary between Rwanda and Burundi, flows into the Rusizi.ALSO READ: Floods, landslides paralyse transport in some districtsLouis Ndagijimana Munyemanzi, Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development in Rusizi District, told The New Times that discussions are underway to rehabilitate the damaged bridge.The bridge connects the sectors of Gikundamvura, Bugarama, and Muganza facilitating the transportation and trade of rice, maize, and fruits and passengers going for different activities.ALSO READ: Thousands left stranded as water transport Gakenke, Muhanga is suspended“The discussions between the district and the Ministry of Infrastructure as well as the transport development agency to seek a budget for the bridge rehabilitation have to take time. However, we are hopeful given that the institutions have understood the urgency for the rehabilitation,” he said.The river flooding also damaged crops on 40 hectares, according to officials.Kigali-Gatuna road damagedAt the same time, heavy rain damaged a section of road from Kigali to Gatuna which is the Rwanda-Uganda border.ALSO READ: What will it take to have disaster-resilient roads?The damaged road is located in Gicumbi District where one side of it was temporarily closed.Parfaite Uwera, the acting Mayor of Gicumbi District, said they are working with the Rwanda Transport Development Agency to fast-track rehabilitation activities.“Some activities have started and there is a need to fast-track them,” she said.Heavy rain seasons have been disrupting transport over the past years in different parts of the country.One of the damaged bridges in 2022 is the one on River Nyabarongo connecting the districts of Muhanga and Gakenke.It is used by thousands of people every day for mining activities and other businesses in Gakenke District.ALSO READ: Rwf130bn needed to rebuild disaster-hit infrastructureIn 2022, disasters damaged 61 road sections, 52 bridges, and other infrastructure. In 2021, disasters damaged 44 roads, 32 bridges, four water supply systems, and 59 electrical transmission poles among others.In 2020, at least 151 roads and 102 bridges were damaged by disasters while 30 roads and 40 bridges were damaged in 2019. This required Rwf120 billion for rehabilitation.
