The Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) handed over 3,522 new homes to families affected by disasters, as part of broader efforts to respond to the 2023 floods that left thousands homeless and caused widespread damage across the northwestern region. ALSO READ: Disaster recovery cost rises to Rwf300bn as assessment proceeds Olive Fatuma Iribagiza, 40, is among the beneficiaries in Ngororero, Nyabihu, and Rubavu Districts, where landslides destroyed homes and claimed 136 of lives. In 2023, my house was destroyed by a landslide, but thank God no one was killed. Ever since, we have been living in rented homes, said the mother of three. UPDATE: Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert Murasira, Minister in Charge of Emergency Management, is presiding over the handover of 3,522 new homes to families affected by disasters in Burera, Musanze, Nyabihu, Ngororero, Muhanga, Karongi, Rutsiro, and Rubavu districts. The initiative is... pic.twitter.com/jmvrJaOiez — The New Times (Rwanda) (@NewTimesRwanda) October 2, 2026 I have no words to express my gratitude. I used to tell my children to stay alert so that a landslide wouldn't kill us all in our sleep. Now, the children are safe, happy, and going to school. We no longer fear such disasters, thanks to President Kagame, who relocated us to a safer place like this. ALSO READ: Rwanda to spend over Rwf200 billion on disaster recovery The sentiments were shared by Belancia Nikuze from Mukamira Sector, Nyabihu District, and Alex Nzakamizindi, whose houses were brought down by mudslides, narrowly escaping death. It was tragic; personally, I could have died. It is only God who saved me and my wife. Our whole house was covered by mud, and in just five minutes, it was completely destroyed, narrated Nzakamizindi. I don't even have words; I am just so overjoyed to finally have a good, safe place to sleep, added Nikuze. According to Maj Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira, the Minister in Charge of Emergency Management, handing over the new houses fulfills a pledge made by President Paul Kagame during his 2023 visit to disaster-hit areas. ALSO READ: Death toll from disasters reaches 135, over 20,000 left homeless 2,763 houses have been re-constructed while 3,522 were constructed from scratch. They will accommodate some of more than 25,000 people affected by disasters across Burera, Musanze, Nyabihu, Ngororero, Muhanga, Karongi, Rutsiro, and Rubavu districts. 5,000 houses have been built as part of recovery and response efforts since 2023. These houses should serve as an example to the wider population on building resilient, disaster-safe homes, said the minister. This is a foundation for them to begin a new life after having relied on government rent support to survive.
