MINEMA Warns of High Disaster Risk in Western Province, Urges Urgent Precautionary Measures

By The Inspirer.

The Ministry of Emergency Management (MINEMA) has sounded an urgent alarm regarding the increased risk of disasters in the Western Province, attributing the vulnerability to a lack of resilience in the region.

Adalbert Rukebanuka, Director General of Planning, Policy, and Risk Reduction at MINEMA, revealed that over the past five years, 317 out of 492 disaster-related fatalities occurred in Western Province due to thunderstorms.

Rukebanuka stressed the critical need for proactive measures following comprehensive assessments across sectors like health, education, infrastructure, and agriculture, all pointing to the region’s susceptibility to disasters.

With the Western province’s resilience rate standing at a mere 42 percent, Rukebanuka underscored the necessity of implementing preventative actions to mitigate risks.

“Disasters are significantly prevalent in Western Province,” Rukebanuka emphasized, noting that recent severe disasters have incurred a national expenditure exceeding Rwf 500 billion, with a substantial portion directed at this region.

He advocated for the immediate installation of lightning rods in essential public facilities like hospitals and schools. Rukebanuka also highlighted the urgency of addressing illegal mining activities, particularly in Ngororero district, known for triggering landslides.

Concerns were raised regarding safety measures for Lake Kivu, with questions about the insurance coverage of boats operating on the lake.

MINEMA’s data revealed that Ngororero exhibited the lowest disaster resilience at 39 percent, followed by Karongi, Nyabihu, and Rutsiro at 40, 41, and 42 percent, respectively. Rubavu, Rusizi, and Nyamasheke showed slightly higher resilience rates at 43, 44, and 46 percent, respectively.

Governor Lambert Dushimimana of the Western Province assured ongoing efforts to strengthen resilience, focusing on erosion prevention and afforestation initiatives in the mountainous terrain.

“We are actively addressing challenges inherent in our province’s landscape to enhance disaster resilience, including widespread installation of lightning rods and extensive reforestation efforts,” Dushimimana stated.

In response to thunderstorm-related fatalities, Dushimimana emphasized the urgent need to install lightning rods in public venues such as hotels, churches, and stadiums. Penalties will be enforced for non-compliance to underscore the seriousness of thunderstorm hazards.

“We strongly advise the installation of lightning rods in all public spaces, and we will enforce fines for non-compliance to demonstrate the severity of thunderstorm risks,” Dushimimana reiterated.

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