Authorities in Rusizi District have ordered 230 households to leave their homes in Bugarama Sector amid fears that a landslide-prone hillside could collapse and endanger residents, particularly as heavy rains approach.
The affected families live in Cyagara and Muko villages, where the hillside has shown signs of instability for several years, with the risk becoming more pronounced during rainy seasons.
The authorities’ warning comes as Rwanda prepares for periods of heavy rainfall, increasing concerns that further movement of the hillside could threaten homes and infrastructure in the area.
NIYOTWAMBAZA Hitimana Christine, Director General in charge of Inspection at the Ministry in charge of Disaster Management, said the situation had been monitored since 2023.
“There is a hillside in Bugarama that was affected by a landslide. This was not first observed now; we had already seen it moving in 2023,” she told RBA.
She said the condition of the hillside could worsen depending on soil conditions and water movement, particularly during heavy rainfall.
“During the rainy season, you see landslides, and sometimes the ground breaks away. During the dry season, as water moves down into the soil, the ground can begin to separate,” she said.
The unstable hillside is now approaching residential areas, with about 230 households identified as being at risk.
“The hillside could affect the Bugarama road, but below it, it is gradually approaching about 230 homes. All those households must relocate. As we prepare for very heavy rains, it is important that these residents have left the area,” NIYOTWAMBAZA said.
Authorities say residents have been informed about the risk and the need to relocate, with many acknowledging the visible changes occurring on the hillside.
However, the relocation order has raised concerns among residents who say they have nowhere to go.
NIYOTWAMBAZA said Rusizi District and other government institutions were conducting awareness campaigns and mobilising resources to help the affected families secure temporary accommodation.
The authorities are urging residents to comply with the relocation order as monitoring of the hillside continues.
