Prime minister warns on environmental degradation

NORTHERN PROVINCE MUSANZE—Prime Minister Bernard Makuza has called for action in proper planning and technical management to curb natural disasters, such as the floods currently devastating parts of Western and Northern Province. The Prime Minister spoke to audiences while on tour in Northern Province. “People should first understand the causes of such disasters and come up with long-term solutions,” Makuza said. “Floods are related to human interaction with nature.” Environmentalists were asked to cooperate with local authorise in seasonal cleanings of water ditches. The recent torrential rains have hit Central Africa region and have ravaged districts of Nyabihu, Rubavu and Musanze, leaving 17 dead and thousands homeless. Minister of Local Government Protais Musoni said that people should understand the challenge and fully participate in the cleaning of the water channels if they were to remain safe. “When the run-off water from the mountains is blocked in trenches, water spills into the inhabited valley areas hence causing such disasters,” Musoni said. The displaced persons are being supplied with maize flour, beans and cooking oil and a separate cell in Nyarubuye, Busogo sector is being established for the settlement of such people. Ends