The government has completed the rehabilitation of various infrastructure damaged by shelling from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), which occurred in January when the Congolese military (FARDC) and its coalition that includes the FDLR, fired into Rwandan territory. The shelling took place as the M23 rebels advanced on Goma town, which they captured in the same month. ALSO READ: Govt offers full support to Rubavu residents affected by DR Congo shelling According to data from the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) and Rubavu District, 293 houses and seven schools were affected in Rubavu District as the FARDC coalition’s shelling hit civilian infrastructure. Sixteen lives were tragically lost while 177 others were injured. In a media interview, Rubavu District officials confirmed that over Rwf 121 million in government funds were allocated to restore damaged property, including schools and homes, to ensure that classes could resume and displaced residents could return to normal life. ALSO READ: Rubavu-Goma border crossing returns to normal Speaking to The New Times, Mayor Prosper Mulindwa, said that in addition to the completed rehabilitation works, the people who sustained injuries, also received support. “The government covered all their medical costs,” he noted. In Mbugangari Cell, Gisenyi Sector, one of the areas that were heavily affected, some residents contributed to the rehabilitation efforts by repairing minor damages such as broken windows and doors themselves. Mulindwa noted that the current security situation along the Rwanda-DR Congo border is stable.
