BUJUMBURA July 27th (ABP) – Members of the diaspora native to Bujumbura province (western Burundi) came, on Sunday afternoon, to the aid of 552 displaced households from Gatumba of the Kinyinya II site, a check by ABP revealed.
The leader of that diaspora group, Mr. Ernest Ndayishimiye, indicated that when the diaspora learned that the inhabitants of Gatumba were hit by the floods, they felt obliged to make a gesture of solidarity with their brothers and sisters, and their parents; hence the reason for their presence at Kinyinya II. He said that this assistance consisted of 1,150 tons of rice and 1,650 tons of beans and asked the beneficiaries to receive it as it is, promising that tomorrow or the day after tomorrow they can return, expressing the wish that there should be no more disaster.
The governor of Bujumbura province, Mr. Désiré Nsengiyumva, thanked the local natives and the diaspora who continue to be at the side of those victims of Gatumba. He said that there are 3 IDP sites whose life is difficult because they lack shelter, food, and clothing. They cannot seek treatment, pointing out that this site is an inappropriate place. He went on to say that there are displaced people who can no longer return to Gatumba because their neighborhoods are still at risk. To these, we are looking for another place to relocate them, he said. There are others who can go back but they too have nothing. Their houses have been destroyed, they too need to be accompanied and supported.
Governor Nsengiyumva reported that the province has not yet made giant strides in its development, but the communes have projects that require the help of the diaspora. To that end, he asked members of the diaspora not to rush to leave but rather to trip to their villages, their communes and see how parents, their brothers and sisters live in order to know more about their real needs.
During an exchange session organized by the province, the leader of the diaspora said that the latter is ready to help their province and asked that they be facilitated in the integration in the investments by introducing non-rigid laws. The diaspora wanted it to have an office in the provinces and property for the implementation of projects. The governor has asked them to bring a project and the province reserves the right to appreciate it in order to grant them that property. He also promised them to assign a permanent officer to the country that will remain in permanent contact with the provincial authorities to whom he will report.