The Government of Rwanda has handed over 540 newly constructed and renovated houses to families affected by the devastating floods and landslides of May 2023, marking another milestone in the country’s ongoing disaster recovery efforts.
The handover ceremonies, held in Muhanga and Karongi districts on October 5, 2026, saw 399 houses delivered to beneficiaries in Karongi and 141 in Muhanga.
The Minister in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA), retired (Rtd) General Albert Murasira, said the initiative fulfills a commitment made by President Paul Kagame during visits to communities affected by the disasters in 2023.
The beneficiaries expressed relief and gratitude for receiving permanent, secure homes free of charge, after years of uncertainty caused by the loss of their previous houses.
“I feel truly relieved and deeply grateful. With this house, I will be able to live safely and carry out my daily activities without hindrance. Long live our President, Paul Kagame, who continues to care about our well-being,” said Jean Clement Nyandwi, whose house was completely destroyed in 2023.
Pascasie Umuhoza, the Deputy Mayor in charge of Social Affairs in Karongi District, said the initiative would help families transition from temporary shelters and government-supported rental accommodation to permanent, climate-resilient homes.
Karongi was among the districts hardest hit by the floods and landslides that struck Rwanda on May 2 and 3, 2023. Triggered by exceptionally heavy rainfall, the disasters caused widespread destruction across several districts in the Western and Northern provinces.
Although those two provinces experienced some of the most severe damage, Muhanga District in the Southern Province was also affected. Muhanga was among the 14 districts that received assistance, with several homes damaged or threatened by landslides.
According to MINEMA, the latest phase of reconstruction covers eight of the most severely affected districts: Muhanga, Karongi, Ngororero, Nyabihu, Rutsiro, Rubavu, Burera and Musanze.
Since 2023, reconstruction efforts have resulted in the construction or renovation of more than 5,000 modern, climate-resilient homes. The programme has been financed by the government in partnership with other institutions, including the World Bank.
The houses are intended to provide lasting security for families who had depended on temporary rental assistance from the authorities while awaiting permanent accommodation.
Similar handover ceremonies were held the previous week in Ngororero, Nyabihu and Burera districts, where other families affected by the 2023 disasters also received homes built under the government’s reconstruction programme.
The ongoing initiative reflects Rwanda’s efforts to support disaster-affected communities, restore safe living conditions and strengthen resilience to future climate-related disasters.
NTD
