The government of Rwanda has endorsed an emergency response plan to provide relief to communities impacted by floods and landslides.
According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Paul Kagame, approved the plan and directed concerned institutions to act promptly.
The extraordinary Cabinet meeting was held to discuss the government’s response to the natural disasters that affected parts of Western, Northern, and Southern provinces.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Policy was also approved during the meeting.
A total of 131 people lost their lives in the floods and landslides, with many others forced to relocate from their homes.
The Cabinet expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged the communities in flood-affected areas to be extra vigilant, as more rains are expected.
The Cabinet also appreciated messages of solidarity from the citizens, friends, and partner states. The required budget for constructing resilient houses for the affected families is being considered, but the construction cost under the Integrated Development program (IDP) model village is estimated to be between Rwf15 million and Rwf20 million per house.u
Noel Nsanzineza, acting Director General of the Rwanda Housing Authority, informed parliamentarians that the disasters destroyed 3,006 houses and damaged 3,200 others, with a total of 6,206 houses impacted.
He estimated that the government would require Rwf30 billion urgently for the construction of the 3,006 houses that were completely ruined.
The government is working on a transitional mechanism to build temporary facilities for the affected families and relocate them from high-risk zones.
The first temporary facilities will be constructed in Rubavu, where the most significant impact was felt, and the affected families will be offered food, medical services, and other necessities in the short term.
