As part of the activities organized to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) joined residents of Kivumu Sector in Rutsiro District for a special Umuganda dedicated to advancing climate resilience and reducing disaster risks.

The community work brought together the Minister of Emergency Management, Hon. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Albert MURASIRA, local leaders, partners, and representatives from the United Nations in Rwanda, including the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Ozonnia Ojielo, alongside development partners and community members.

Saturday’s Umuganda focused on tree planting around a new settlement site where 70 houses are under construction for families displaced by disasters. Participants also took part in grafting fruit trees and reinforcing the roofs of the ongoing housing units to ensure strong and safe structures for the families who will soon relocate there.

After the tree-planting exercise, leaders toured the construction site to assess the progress made in completing the new homes, highlighting ongoing efforts to resettle vulnerable households in safer and more resilient environments.

Addressing residents and stakeholders, Minister MURASIRA emphasized the importance of continued efforts to prevent and reduce disaster risks through community involvement, environmental protection, and compliance with safety measures.

“When we invest in prevention and take strong measures to reduce disaster risks, losses become far fewer,” he said. “Let us continue to put our energy into preparedness so that disasters don’t catch us off guard. They cause losses to families and to the country.”

The Minister encouraged communities to work together, move away from high-risk zones, and follow guidance issued by local authorities, underscoring that resilience is a collective responsibility.

The United Nations in Rwanda echoed this message of collaboration. In a statement shared during the activity, the UN Resident Coordinator highlighted the importance of environmental restoration in building safer communities:

“Together, we build a greener, safer, and more resilient Rwanda,” the UN Rwanda team posted, noting that tree planting protects hillsides, restores ecosystems, and reduces disaster risks.

The Umuganda showcased strong cooperation between government institutions, development partners, and community members while reinforcing Rwanda’s continued focus on disaster risk reduction as a pillar of sustainable development.