Concerns raised by the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) revealed that in 2023 alone, 228 houses were damaged by fire outbreaks. This trend persisted into 2024, with another 87 houses destroyed between June and August, revealing a significant gap in insurance coverage among property owners.
RHA Director General Alphonse Rukaburandekwe explained that the ongoing assessment seeks to address these gaps and inform future interventions.
"Over the past few months, RHA has initiated a comprehensive data collection exercise to assess the insurance status of buildings across the country. This process is still ongoing, and we are working closely with stakeholders to compile and validate the data," he told The New Times.
The results of this exercise will clarify the disparity between insured and uninsured properties, enabling policymakers to craft more effective strategies.
Adalbert Rukebanuka, MINEMA's Director General of Planning, Policy, and Risk Reduction, emphasized the challenges posed by urban living conditions, such as overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure.
These factors, combined with limited firefighting resources, exacerbate fire risks in densely populated areas. "Most of the buildings are not insured for fire risks," Rukebanuka noted.
"Overcrowded settlements with narrow alleyways hinder firefighters, leading to greater damage and loss of life."
Informal settlements and inadequate public awareness about fire safety contribute to the prevalence of fire-related incidents. To mitigate these risks, the RHA has engaged some insurance companies to streamline insurance access for government institutions.
Regular reminders and follow-ups are expected to ensure compliance with insurance requirements.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/fire-incidents-spur-nationwide-audit-of-building-insurance
