26th March 2023: Burera citizens in Rugarama Sector did the community work (Umuganda) on March 25, 2025 with a goal of maintaining the better sustainability of the ‘Floods Management in Volcanoes’ Region Project.’

It was organized by RWB and Burera District and was also in line with caping off the week-long celebrations of the World Forests, Water and Meteorological Day in Rwanda. The theme of World Water Day was ‘Caring for water, delivering Access for all’.

It was attended by the Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Water Resources Board (RWB), Evariste Nsabimana, the Mayor of Burera District, Marie Chantal Uwanyirigira, Honorable Deputy Alice Uwera, and other officials.

Up to 1,013 Arenus trees were planted on Mbandana gully, where a water pond was also built to alleviate the flood peak flows from volcanoes.

“This Umuganda corresponded to World Water Day 2023, as floods pose threats to water allocations in our communities by polluting our rivers, and even destroying our key infrastructure including our water taps, among other things.”

“It was a good opportunity to raise awareness among citizens about the negative impacts of gully erosion, such as soil loss and water pollution, and encouraged them to take measures to ensure the sustainable management of the project infrastructures,” noted Deputy Director General Nsabimana during the mass community meeting. 

The Mayor of Burera District, Marie Chantal Uwanyirigira, emphasized the importance of community involvement as well as ownership in protecting the gullies, ponds, and bridges built for the well-being of citizens.

Following a history of terrifying floods caused by volcanoes, Uwanyirigira stated that the project's infrastructures have played a critical role in ensuring the security of citizens and their properties.

PROJECT’S ACHIEVEMENTS

Several activities have been carried out as part of the 'Floods Management in Volcanoes' Region Project, including the construction of 23 bridges, 10 water channels, 6 ponds, trees on gullies, and job creation for citizens.