Gatsibo, Kayonza: Heavy rain displaces residents and destroys properties

{This past Tuesday, heavy rain fall destroyed properties in Gatsibo and Kayonza districts and left 2 people homeless. In addition, 2 churches and crop fields were destroyed.}

Heavy winds during the rain fall blew off the roof of an Adventist church building.
According to the victims, the crops destroyed during this ordeal in Remera sector of Gatsibo district are estimated to be covering 10 hectares of land.

Kwizera Gilbert, one of the victims of this heavy rain talked to our journalist and confirmed that he was among other farmers who suffered major losses as farming is their source of income.

The victims who became homeless are temporarily being hosted by their neighbors until they repair their houses. The Remera sector is mostly compromised of farmers.
According to the residents of this area, they had spend a few days without rain and they were looking forward to some rain.

Unfortunately, this rain they witnessed came as a drawback to their achievements, because it left some of them homeless. Last month, a similar rain fall claimed the life of a 4 year old boy.

In Kayonza district

This heavy rain followed by heavy winds destroyed a Methodist church, a nursery school including some of its teaching and learning equipments in Mbarara sector, located in kayonza district.

Talking to Ndizeye Jean D’ amour one of the teachers at the nursery school; which, is sponsored by a private organization called “Teach Rwanda”, confirmed that almost 50 roofs were blown by wind and could not be used for construction any more. This school has only been in operation for 1 year so far.

Mr. Ndizeye estimates that the property destroyed is worth 300,000 Rwandan francs and some of the items destroyed include books and much more.
He also added that in order for the school to continue its daily activities, they need support from the church and the parents in order to recover from this ordeal.
According to the leader of Rwinkwavu sector, Mr Gakire told IGIHE that they are doing their best so that students can resume their normal classes.

By Richard Mugarura