Gicumbi Disaster Victims Appeal for Permanent Housing as District Promises Continued Support

Residents in Gicumbi District whose homes were destroyed by disasters in 2024 are appealing for urgent assistance to be provided with decent houses, saying they are currently living under tough conditions due to lack of financial means to rebuild. District authorities say some families have already been supported while others will receive help as resources become available.

In Kaniga Sector, Gicumbi District, several families remain without permanent shelter months after their houses were destroyed by heavy rains and landslides that hit the area in 2024. Many of them say life has become extremely difficult as they are forced to rent small rooms, live in temporary structures, or depend on neighbors for accommodation.

Among those affected is Mukeshimana Espérance, who explains that her house collapsed completely and she has no ability to rebuild on her own. “Our house was destroyed completely and life has become very hard for us,” she says. “We kindly request support to get a place to live because we cannot afford to construct a new house by ourselves.”

Another resident, Nyiransabimana Verena, shares a similar experience, noting that although they have tried to remain hopeful, the situation keeps worsening. “We are struggling to survive. Some of us are renting while others are temporarily accommodated by neighbors,” she explains. “We are hopeful that the authorities will support us so that we can live in safe and decent houses again.”

The leadership of Gicumbi District says the situation of disaster-affected families is well known and efforts are ongoing to ensure they are supported. The Mayor of Gicumbi District, Emmanuel Nzabonimpa, confirms that several families have already been assisted and the remaining ones will be helped progressively as resources allow. “There are residents we have already supported with housing, and we will continue assisting the remaining families depending on the available budget,” he said. “No citizen will be permanently abandoned without support.”

According to figures from the district, disasters destroyed houses belonging to 97 households in 2024. Out of these, 56 families have already received new houses, while 41 families are still waiting for assistance.

Residents are requesting that the construction support program be fast-tracked to enable them to regain stability and live in secure, decent homes. Meanwhile, district authorities maintain that plans are in place and efforts to mobilize further support are ongoing to ensure that no affected family is left behind.