NELSON K
Local leaders and residents of Kashasha Town Council in Rubanda District are crying out for help and support from the government after being hit by heavy storms and floods last week.
Thursday evening of last week turned tragic for residents of Kashasha Town Council, Rubanda West County, Rubanda District, after heavy rains accompanied by storms and floods hit the area, causing massive destruction of crops, roads, houses, and other properties.
Residents led by Tamsore Pahra, speaking to Boona Radio, confirmed the disaster that occurred on Thursday evening, saying the heavy rains, which included storms and floods, caused severe damage to properties such as roads, bridges, business buildings, and homes, as well as landslides that washed away crops like beans and Irish potatoes.
Mr. Tamsore stated that despite visits from contestants and politicians who came to comfort the affected residents and offered small grants to some victims, a lot of government support and donations are still needed since crops and shelters—which were their main sources of livelihood—were washed away by the landslides, storms, and floods.
The Kashasha Town Council District Councillor, Mr. Godwin Mpirirwe, also confirmed the disaster, saying that fortunately, it happened during the day. He added that if it had occurred at night, many lives would have been lost. He confirmed the blockage of roads and bridges, and the destruction of crops, businesses, and homes. However, he appreciated all leaders for promptly visiting and comforting the affected residents, even though the support was not enough. He therefore called upon the government to intervene, donate, and support the affected residents.
The Kashasha Town Council Mayor, Mr. Deus Mugisha, also confirmed the disaster that happened on Thursday evening, which caused extensive destruction of properties, including his own house. He said that fortunately, the floods and storms occurred during the day, sparing the lives of residents.
He confirmed that crops like Irish potatoes and beans, among others, were destroyed during the disaster, leaving residents at risk of famine and hunger in the near future. He instructed LC1 chairpersons to record all the properties that were lost so that the information can be presented to the government.
He appreciated all leaders and aspiring politicians who visited and expressed their condolences with some financial support to the affected residents. However, he particularly commended the incumbent MP, Hon. Kamuntu Moses Mwongyera, who sponsored a tractor to open blocked roads and bridges.
As a leader in a hilly area like Kashasha Town Council in Rubanda District, he called upon residents to immediately implement tree planting, terracing, and contour ploughing to reduce soil erosion and flooding.
Politicians such as the Rubanda West County NRM flag bearer, M.P. Bruce Baraba Kabaasa, who rushed to comfort and support the affected residents the day after the disaster, the incumbent MP Hon. Kamuntu Moses Mwongyera, who provided financial support and a tractor to clear blocked roads and bridges, and the Rubanda District Woman MP Hon. Prossy Begumisa Mbabazi, who also joined them shortly after the disaster with comfort and support, were all appreciated and praised by the affected residents. However, residents say that a lot more support is still needed.
