Rubavu: Residents Near Sebeya River Reassured Amidst Flooding Concerns Over Incomplete Barriers

By The Inspirer.

Residents living near the Sebeya River, particularly those downstream, have expressed concerns about the incomplete construction of flood barriers along the river. They worry that if the river overflows again, their homes might be the first to be affected.

However, local authorities have reassured them, explaining that the construction was strategically planned based on studies, prioritizing the most critical areas first.

The authorities emphasized that after Sebeya previously caused significant damage by destroying homes, farmlands, and even claiming lives, stringent measures were taken to prevent future disasters and ensure long-term safety.

Janvier Nzabarantumye, a resident of Nyundo Sector, urged the Rubavu District authorities to advocate for the completion of the flood barriers in areas where they remain unfinished, emphasizing that the government should prioritize their safety.

He stated, “You can see that they have done a good job in some places, but there are still gaps where they haven’t built the barriers. They need to finish these areas for our safety so that we can live in peace without fear.”

Rachel Niyonteze, another resident, expressed her fear due to the absence of a protective wall behind her house. “My house isn’t protected by the barrier they built because they stopped before reaching this area. I live in constant fear that if Sebeya floods again, my house will be the first to be hit,” she said.

The Mayor of Rubavu District, Prosper Mulindwa, reassured residents living within 10 meters of the river that the remaining sections will be completed. He explained that the construction was based on a study, with the most critical areas being addressed first.

“It’s true that these residents have valid concerns, but as you’ve seen, many barriers have already been built. The decision to start with the most urgent areas was made after thorough analysis following the floods, where government officials identified the most vulnerable spots,” Mulindwa explained.

He further noted that the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB) conducted studies to identify the most problematic areas, which led to prioritizing those spots for immediate action.

Mulindwa added, “Significant progress has been made on Sebeya River, which is promising, but the construction of the barriers isn’t entirely complete as the residents desire. The government is aware and is currently focusing on completing the urgent projects first, with plans to continue work in the remaining areas.”

As part of the efforts to mitigate Sebeya’s impact, long barriers have been constructed, and dams have been built in Kanama and Nyundo Sectors to reduce the river’s water levels. One dam, located in Musabike, Kanama Sector, is strategically placed to control the water entering Rubavu.

The Mayor highlighted that the dam has the capacity to reduce Sebeya River’s water flow by 90%, holding back up to 2 million cubic meters of water, thus significantly mitigating the risk of flooding.

SOURCE: IMVAHONSHYA.