Huye: Floods destroy key pedestrian bridge, disrupt movement between sectors

By The Inspirer.

Heavy rains that pounded Maraba Sector in Huye District from Friday night into Saturday have destroyed a vital pedestrian bridge over the Mwogo River, cutting off access to Kigoma Sector.

Residents say the bridge had become a critical lifeline, especially during the rainy season when the river swells and poses serious risks to those attempting to cross.

The structure was originally built to prevent accidents and loss of life, as previous floods had made the river impassable and deadly.

“We had regained a sense of safety because of this bridge, but now it has been destroyed again. There is no way to cross to Kigoma,” said Nyiraminani, a resident of Sumba village near the river.

Beyond the loss of infrastructure, farmers reported widespread crop damage, with fields in the marshland submerged by floodwaters.

“All our crops have been washed away. We are not expecting any harvest this season,” she added.

Floodwaters also reached nearby homes, rising beyond sugarcane fields and encroaching on residential areas, raising further concerns among residents.

Authorities in Huye District have urged residents to use alternative routes as temporary access. In a statement, the district outlined detours through Kanyinya–Kabuye–Maraba Sector offices and Kanyinya–Gasumba–Mwogo VTC, both connecting to the main paved road.

The incident comes amid intensified rainfall across Rwanda. The Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) recently warned of increasing impacts, including fatalities, injuries, and crop losses linked to ongoing heavy rains.