EASTERN PROVINCEKIBUNGO — Former refugees in Rurenge and Rukira sector camps will be resettled soon, the vice-mayor of social affairs in Ngoma district has said. Josephine Mutesayire says the government recently approached the district on the issues concerning resettling the refugees. Before the end of September, houses to accommodate the returnees will be completed through to the roofing level. It is to be done through Umuganda communal work. The government is to provide iron sheets. Returnees in both camps of Rugese and Rukira were repatriated from Tanzania in January, losing almost all their possessions, mostly cattle, in the process. Over 400 people live in the two camps, with 101 and 48 families in Rugese and Rukira respectively. Many returnees say they are congested, and that this has resulted into many diseases passing through the area, including cough, worms and influenza. The camps’ health centre cannot meet necessities. Manager Gatare Appolinaire says they are disturbed by malaria due to the fact that the camp is next to a wetland. The closest place for help in this regards is Kigali Central Hospital, but often lack transport and funding to get there. The biggest problem facing the returnees, though, is water shortage. There is only one watering hole where residents meet. “Even this water is not good for drinking,” Appollinaire says. Officials have tried to teach returnees to boil water before drinking. Ends
