The Rwanda Meteorology Agency prediction shows that rains will be slightly above normal in the first week of May, but will ease towards the end of the month. Despite the positive impact of the weather phenomenon, it is not always kind to some Rwandans and their livelihoods. Previous rainy seasons have claimed lives and left behind destruction of property valued in billions. It is common to have power blackouts and interruptions to access to water and sanitation facilities during the rainy season. A number of roads have also become impassable in the past, affecting free movement of people and goods. Among the adversely impacted are those who dwell in what has come to be known as ‘high-risk zones’ where property such as houses are washed away or covered in mudslides. Some farmers are often left with counting losses following the destruction of their would-be harvest. While not much can be done with regard to the amount of rains that fall, much could be done by the various actors to reduce adverse impacts. Among the interventions include constantly mapping out areas that are at risk of flooding and other effects to allow for early planning and mitigation. The intervention could also include raising awareness among the communities living in the ‘high-risk zones’ on ways they can be involved in mitigating the negative effects of heavy rains. Awareness and working with concerned stakeholders is likely to drive up agricultural insurance to reduce losses incurred. The mapping exercises would also serve to enable the prior identification of infrastructures such as roads, bridges and buildings that are not built to withstand the heavy rains and the consequent commencement of reinforcement mechanisms to reduce destruction of property and lives claimed. Better preparation for rainy seasons would allow the country to go beyond mitigating losses to making the most of the season. It would allow for water harvesting especially in neighbourhoods across the country for later use in agriculture among other uses. Such an intervention would allow the country reduce the long term effects of continued dry periods which are characterized by low agriculture productivity and consequently high food prices. This would equate to taming a dragon and getting it to serve productive purposes. There is no monopoly to the roles of planning for heavy rains as the effects and implications are felt by all.
