234 people are recorded dead while 218 were injured due to torrential rainfalls and other disasters since the beginning of 2018, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugees reveals.
In the press conference held in Kigali on this Friday, launching the Disaster Risk Reduction Week, Minister Debonheur Jeanne D’arc, said the damages are estimated to cost 204 billion Rwf and that reparation will cost over 290 billion Rwf.
Due to floods, landslides, thunderstorms, strong winds, lightning, fire or/and hailstorm, 15,264 houses were destroyed country wide, 7 administrative buildings and 15 churches were affected.
The damages also include 31 roads, 52 bridges, 86 schools and 797 cattle missed.
Hinging on the increase of the disasters, Minister Debonheur called upon all Rwandan’s collaboration and reminded them of respecting all disaster mitigation measures put in place.
“The disaster risk mitigation activities require more unified efforts. From individuals to the public and private institutions, NGOs and other partners should take part in execution of disaster mitigation mechanisms in place,” Added the Minister.
The Director General of Rwanda Meteorology Agency, John Ntaganda Semafara, incited Rwandans to respect the agency’s predictions and advises, as the only sure fire way to reduce disaster risks.
“In case we all work together and the people implement what they are expected of, we can undoubtedly reduce the loss caused by disasters.” He pinpointed.
According to Augustin Kampayana, the Acting Director General of Rwanda Housing Authority, the government is endeavoring to construct modern houses for over 35 thousand people who dwell in the high risk zones across Kigali City.
“We will construct modern houses in a bid to be able to use small plots and conserve the soil.” Kampayana says.
On this Saturday October 23, 2018, Rwanda will rally with the rest of the World to celebrate the International Day for Disaster Reduction.
The international theme is “Reducing Economic Losses from Disasters Has the Power to Transform Lives” while “Mitigating disasters to reduce economic loss” is the national one.
Dieudonne MANIRAKIZA
UM– USEKE.RW
