Addressing housing challenges is a top priority for Rwanda, with a focus on relocating people to safer village environments. Notably, in Gakenke District's Muzo Sector, Muyando Cell, Kagano Village, a community of individuals who once lived in precarious zones has found refuge.
Rwakageyo Theogene, a 61-year-old resident of this village, expressed his gratitude, stating, 'I was living in Kiryamo's cell in a place where the fear of impending disaster was constant. The government has uplifted us from the shadows, providing us with a secure living space aligned with the country's vision.'
Describing the new houses as a revelation, Rwakageyo mentioned, 'We arrived to find clear houses; we couldn't believe they were meant for us. More importantly, they provided us with essential equipment.'
With the relocation, access to schools and health facilities has become significantly easier for these residents, eliminating the challenges they previously faced in reaching essential services.
Babonangenda Theogene, living a few meters away in Gitoki village, Muyando Cell, shared his experience of escaping disaster in his former high-risk zone. He highlighted the government's support in providing roofing sheets, enabling him to start anew in a safer location.
Reflecting on the drastic improvement, Babonangenda stated, 'Where I was, it was a problem for a child to come from there to school. It's a long journey, a bad road, but now, when a child comes out and enters a school... I feel that there is a long step that I have taken to get out of that risky zone and live on the street.'
Mrs. Nyirantegereza Seraphine, residing in Rulindo District, Remera Sector, Migendezo Cell, Cyinzuzi Village, faced a tragic loss during the 2016 rains when disaster claimed her husband and two children. The government stepped in, providing her with a new house and essential equipment to rebuild her life.
Despite the support, Nyirantegereza remains haunted by the trauma, stating, 'I have not forgotten that. When it rains and I don't sleep, I feel the same situation."
Leopard Uwimana, Head of Affordable Housing Department at the Rwanda Housing Authority, outlined the government's comprehensive approach. He emphasized the establishment of designated sites for villages in each district, aiming to create safer living environments for residents.
Uwimana confirmed ongoing planning activities in disaster-prone areas, asserting, "It is expected that the plans for the use of land in the districts will be completed, then we will know the limitations of these sites, and then they will be prepared."
Residents like Rwakageyo Theogene expressed astonishment at the government's proactive measures, noting, 'In my 61 years, this is the first time I have seen such activities, where the administration takes its people and cares for them in a sustainable way.'
Babonangenda urged those clinging to disaster-prone zones due to tradition to reconsider, emphasizing the benefits of settling in villages with accessible infrastructure.
The government's vision includes establishing two village sites in every cell, 100 at the district level, and 3,000 nationwide, ensuring a transformative impact on the lives of residents previously vulnerable to disasters.
IGIHE
