The figures were disclosed on Tuesday 1st March 2022 as Rubavu district handed over 10 houses to families without shelters in Rubavu sector.

The houses were built by friends of Rwanda from the United States of America.

Rubavu district vice mayor for social affairs, Pacifique Ishimwe has said that the district plans to build houses for 148 families this year as part of ongoing efforts to improve residents’ wellbeing.

“We plan to build houses for 148 residents. We have so far built 88 houses excluding the launched 10 houses. They all make a total of 98 houses but we continue to scale up efforts to provide residents with decent shelters.

Construction activities are underway where some of houses are to be roofed as others get floors covered with cement. It is our target this year because we have more than 1700 residents without shelters registered last year. It is quite a large number but we are hopeful that we will make it in collaboration with partners,” she said.

Beneficiaries welcomed the support that comes in handy to improve their wellbeing.

“I went through difficult conditions as I lived with a child with disabilities who would dilapidate landlords’ houses. This irked and prompted them to move me out. I have so far been moved out from four houses. With the received decent shelter, I will no longer experience such dire conditions and live comfortably with my children,” said Bayahunde Espérance.

Marceline Uwimana, another beneficiary has revealed that she struggled to get rental fees yet she had to take care of her parent and children from little money obtained from hard labour.

“I will save the money spent for rent, take care of my children and mother who is critically ill,” she said.

Ten families from Rubavu sector received houses, beddings and utensils among other articles for household use.