Rwanda Completes Construction of 2,665 Homes for Disaster Victims
The Rwandan government has made significant progress in rebuilding homes for thousands of residents impacted by severe weather events that struck the Northern and Western provinces in May 2023. These incidents included heavy rains, floods, and landslides, which caused widespread devastation. As of now, 2,665 houses have been completed, providing shelter to tens of thousands of affected individuals. Additionally, nearly 3,000 more homes are currently under construction, according to officials.
On Wednesday, July 9, the Ministry responsible for Emergency Management handed over 115 new homes to families in Musanze District. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support communities across several regions, including Rubavu, Musanze, Karongi, Ngororero, Nyabihu, Burera, and Rutsiro. The disasters resulted in the loss of 135 lives and left over 20,000 people without shelter.
Jeannette Nyiramwiza, a mother of four, was among the first recipients of a new home. She expressed deep gratitude for the assistance provided. “We are very happy to receive these new houses. We have never lived in cemented houses like this before,” she said. Nyiramwiza, who resides in Kabazungu Cell in the volcanic area of Musanze District, described her previous living conditions as desperate. “We were sleeping on mats after the heavy rains. Now we have proper homes.”
She also thanked President Paul Kagame, whom she refers to as their “parent.” “Our families no longer have to live by renting,” she added, highlighting the long-term benefits of having a permanent home.
Emmanuel Nsengiyumva, a 42-year-old father of four, shared his experience of losing his home to flooding. “Everything, including our crops, was swept away,” he said. However, with the new house, he feels a sense of hope. “Now we are gradually recovering, and with a new home, we are going to invest in agricultural activities and improve our daily livelihoods.”
Government Commitment to Recovery
Maj Gen (Rtd) Albert Murasira, the Minister in charge of Emergency Management, emphasized the importance of the new housing project. He stated that it reflects the government’s commitment to fulfilling President Kagame’s promise during his visit to Rubavu District following the disasters.
“The provision of new houses is part of disaster recovery and responding to devastating floods that happened in 2023,” Murasira told residents of Musanze District. He urged them to maintain the houses as their property and to remain vigilant in preventing future disasters. “You should clearly understand the reason for the construction of these new homes,” he said. “But, most importantly, build resilience and remain prepared.”
The minister also highlighted that the government will continue to construct homes for disaster-affected families, depending on available resources. This ongoing effort underscores Rwanda’s dedication to supporting its citizens in times of crisis and ensuring long-term stability for affected communities.
Long-Term Impact and Community Resilience
The construction of these homes is not just about immediate relief but also about fostering long-term resilience. By providing durable and safe housing, the government is helping families rebuild their lives and reduce vulnerability to future natural disasters.
Communities in the affected areas are now beginning to recover, with many expressing optimism about the future. The new homes offer a sense of security and stability, allowing families to focus on rebuilding their livelihoods and investing in sustainable practices.
As the government continues its efforts, the focus remains on ensuring that every family receives the support they need to thrive. Through collaboration, resourcefulness, and determination, Rwanda is demonstrating how a nation can come together to overcome adversity and create a brighter future for all.
