Rusizi District has identified an alternative route for traffic in case landslides render part of the Bugarama-Kamembe road unsafe or impassable during the rainy season.

The road connects Kamembe town, Bugarama Centre and Cimerwa cement factory. It is used by trucks transporting raw materials and cement to and from the factory.

Phanuel Sindayiheba, Mayor of Rusizi District, said traffic would be diverted through Cimerwa and reconnect with Kamanyora via Bugarama Centre if the main road is affected.

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"Regarding the Bugarama road, an alternative route has been identified should the road become unsafe or inaccessible,” Sindayiheba told The New Times.

"Traffic could be diverted through Cimerwa, before reconnecting with Kamanyora via Bugarama Centre. This alternative would help maintain access and connectivity while the situation is being monitored,” he added.

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The road is being monitored because of an unstable slope in Bugarama that authorities have identified as a landslide risk.

The district has already relocated 276 households from the affected area, while another 82 households were advised to find alternative accommodation.

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Road risk identified earlier

Christine Niyotwambaza Hitimana, Director General of Surveillance and Preparedness at the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), previously warned that the area posed a serious landslide risk.

Niyotwambaza also said the Bugarama-Kamembe road was among the infrastructure that could be affected by the unstable slope.

The district has since identified the Cimerwa-Bugarama Centre route as a contingency option if the road becomes impassable.