The village will house vulnerable residents and others from disaster-prone areas from different parts of Rubavu District in Western Province who were affected flooding and landslides mainly occasioned by River Sebeya overflow.

The disasters that hit different parts of the country took lives of over 130 people in Western, Northern and Southern Provinces of Rwanda.

Anticipated to be completed by the end of June 2023, the model village will accommodate 120 families from various areas in Rubavu. The village is being constructed on land previously used for a small modern village that sheltered vulnerable residents from Rubavu.

The model village is being built by Ministry of Defence/Reserve Forces while Gasabo 3D Design Ltd is supervising construction works. Meanwhile, Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA) is monotoring the implementation of the project on behalf of the Government of Rwanda.

Niyonshuti Elie, an employee of Gasabo 3D Design Ltd and a construction supervisor, mentioned that the village’s construction is nearing completion.

Comprising two phases, Rugerero Model Village is almost finished, he said. The first phase consists of three multi-storey blocks that will provide housing for 120 families.

The second phase encompasses essential infrastructure, including roads, an Early Childhood Development Center (ECD), a furniture workshop, a market, an extension and renovation of Muhira Health Post, electricity and water supply, a playground, public toilets, and a vegetable and fruit farm, among other amenities.

Each housing unit within the village consists of two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a toilet. Additionally, each house has a back porch with laundry facilities, a kitchenette, and a sitting area. The front porch is shared among all residents, serving as the entrance to their respective homes.

Another housing unit will accommodate 40 families, with each family receiving a room along with a bathroom, a toilet, a kitchen, a living room, and a veranda. The residents will use the back exit of the unit to access their respective courtyards.

While private bathrooms are available in each house, public lavatories are also provided.

Furthermore, each house has its own water and electricity meters. The front of the building units is adorned with a beautiful garden featuring fruit and ornamental trees, providing a refreshing ambiance.

The village features well-constructed roads, open spaces, and water reservoirs. Additionally, an Early Childhood Development Center (ECD) with six classrooms, a head teacher’s office, a kitchen, and a conference room will be established. The school will be equipped with necessary educational resources and recreational facilities to cater to the children residing in the village.

Sports enthusiasts will find delight in the basketball and volleyball courts, which are complemented by stadium-like seating areas. Livestock sheds will also be constructed to facilitate animal husbandry, including chickens that will be distributed to village residents.

To ensure easy access, a tarmac road connecting the Kigali-Rubavu highway to the village is also under construction.