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^{The original Article was written by Regis Umurengezi�� & Published in The New Times, Rwanda}

Residents around River Sebeya and other major water catchment areas in Rwanda can breathe a sigh of relief after the Government unveiled a four-year-project meant to prevent disasters.

Dubbed ‘Landscape Restoration and Integrated Water Resources Management in Sebeya and other Catchments’, the Rwf22 billion initiative was launched�� on Thursday 20th June 2019�� in Rubavu District.

The multi-billion project which was officiated by the Rwanda Minister of environment Dr. Vincent Biruta was initiated in a bid to improve livelihoods and��natural resources management in Sebeya and other catchment.

The project will be implemented by Rwanda Water and Forestry Authority (RWFA) in collaboration with International Union of Conservation of nature (������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��), Netherland Development Organization (SNV), and Action for the Protection of the Environment and Promotion of the Agricultural Sector (APEFA), with funding from the Dutch Embassy in Kigali.

Sebeya river has history of bursting its banks during rainy seasons destroying propery. Prime Ngabonziza, the director-general of RWFA, blamed disasters caused by River Sebeya on malpractices such as poor agricultural practices, deforestation, and unsustainable mining methods, among others. “The problem that this catchment has is all about erosion caused by human activities, and when it rains it triggers soil erosion and floods,” said Ngabonziza.

“This project will transform citizens’ lives. It has come as a solution to improve sustainable development. Its implemented activities will�� help the community to stop soil erosion. It will also offer job opportunities for citizens and when they contribute to its successful implementation there is no doubt that Sebeya will be regarded as a source of solutions rather than problems,” Said Minister Biruta.

The project will among other activities, focus on developing innovative financing mechanisms and value chains for improved livelihoods through ecological and economic benefits and implement knowledge management systems for landscape restoration and integrated water resources management.

The Dutch Ambassador to Rwanda, Frederique de Man said, “The Netherlands support Rwanda’s Landscape Restoration. Let us keep up this feeling of working together so none of us will be affected by the effect of climate change.”

As an Implementing partner, the ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� Regional Director for the Eastern and Southern Africa Luther�� Anukur said: “������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� will partner with local Government Institutions throughout the implementation of this project. Communities will play a very big part, but we will also be working with other partners with different competencies to make sure that we attain the project expected Results.”

Minister Biruta noted that the country expects a lot from the project as it will put to end tragedies associated with catchments.He called on the residents as well as local officials to play their role by owning the project activities during and after implementation so as to ensure their sustainability.

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