Government has availed Rwf10 billion to urgently curb effects of River Sebeya that continues to destroy a number of public and private infrastructure as well as claiming lives in Rubavu District and its environs. Sebeya catchment spans four districts—Rubavu, Rutsiro, Nyabihu and Ngororero—covering some 336 square kilometres. The river has a history of bursting its banks during every rainy season where it renders homeless a number of residents, washing away hectares of various crops as well as destroying properties. Rugerero, Nyundo and Kanama are among other sectors of Rubavu that are majorly hit by effects of the river whose waters flow from various mountains in the district. The funds, according to Prime Ngabonziza the Director General of Rwanda Water Resource Board will be used starting from July to build dams, dig trenches and afforestation among other activities around River Sebeya. “Infrastructure will be destroyed. We also need to ensure tourism activities are safeguarded around River Sebeya catchment,” he said. He blamed disasters caused by River Sebeya to poor agriculture practices, deforestation, and unsustainable mining methods, among others activities by the residents. “The problem that this catchment has is caused by erosion due to human activity. When it rains it triggers soil erosion and floods. All the planned activities under this project are meant to sustainably resolve problems that affect residents,” he note Ngabonziza underscored that the Government will ensure local residents play a role in the project’s long-term plan. Residents upbeat Residents welcomed the initiative. “Preserving River Sebeya is a lifesaving project, our prayers have been answered,” noted Seraphine Mutuyimana, a resident of Kanama Sector She added: “We have been incurring losses as this river would wash away all the crops from various farms, but with the Government pledge we believe that all those calamities will eventually become a thing of the past.” The Rwf10 billion is part of the Rwf22 billion project dubbed ‘Landscape Restoration and Integrated Water Resources Management in Sebeya and other Catchments, which was launched in June 2019. The four-year project will be implemented by Rwanda Water Resource Board in collaboration with International Union of Conservation of nature (IUCN) and Netherland Development Organization (SNV) with funding from the Dutch Embassy in Kigali. The project was initiated in a bid to improve livelihoods and conservation in Sebeya and other catchment areas for improved natural resources management, according to officials.
