Kigali – October 13^th, 2016: Rwandans living in high risk zones have been encouraged to relocate to safer zones as a measure of disaster risk reduction. The Minister of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, Hon. Mukantabana Seraphine was speaking to residents of Ngororero District after a special Umuganda (community service) that was held to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, 2016.

In order to raise more awareness about disaster risk reduction, the Ministry of Disaster Management & Refugee Affairs organized the Disaster Risk Reduction Week with the aim of promoting relocation of people from high risk zones among other strategic objectives. The theme for this year’s Disaster Risk Reduction Week is - “Prevent disasters by settling in safer zones”.

In her remarks, the Minister noted that it was much cheaper to invest in preparedness and disaster risk reduction than in response. “I encourage you not to wait for disasters to occur then act, but to take disaster risk reduction seriously. It reduces on losses of lives and property,” she said.

She also added that from January to September 2016, 166 lives were lost due to disasters; injuring 136 people and destroying 5388 hectares of crops and 4611 houses. During the same period, 26 roads and 41 bridges were destroyed.  The Minister urged the residents to construct disaster resilient houses and improved drainage systems that would ease water flow into the right channels.

The event was attended by various dignitaries including the Governor of Western Province, Mayor of Ngororero District, leaders form security institutions and various partners in disaster management.

The International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR), held every October 13^th, encourages every citizen and government to take part in building more disaster resilient communities and nations. Experience of the great impacts of disasters in different regions of the country during the last rainy season of Itumba, is the reason of focusing on relocation from high risk zones for this year’s International Week for Disaster Risk Reduction.