A New Dawn in Gicumbi: Kaniga Model Village Brings Hope to Disaster Survivors

For years, residents of Kaniga Sector in Gicumbi District lived in fear of natural disasters that frequently destroyed their homes and claimed lives. Today, thanks to the Green Gicumbi Project, hope has been restored in the form of durable housing and a safe, dignified environment.

The Kaniga Model Village, home to 60 vulnerable families, has become a beacon of transformation for survivors of floods and landslides. Once displaced and living in makeshift shelters, these residents now enjoy a better quality of life in homes built to withstand the effects of climate change.

Stories of Recovery and Relief

Clementine Uwizeye, a widow who lost her home and livestock in a devastating disaster, is among the beneficiaries. She credits the Green Gicumbi Project for giving her a second chance at life.

“I had small livestock—two goats and a sheep—but everything was destroyed. Even my kitchen was washed away. But now, I’ve been given a cow, which I milk for consumption and sale, and I also have five chickens that lay eggs. We’re truly grateful for what the project has done for us,” she said.

Gilbert Kwizera and his siblings were orphaned when a landslide destroyed their home, killing their mother and sibling. Despite the trauma, Gilbert says life has changed for the better.

“We were a family of five, and only three of us survived. We lost everything. But now, we have a proper house, furniture, and safety. We thank the Green Gicumbi Project for giving us a new start,” he shared.

Village leader Josiane Muragijimana echoed similar sentiments, recalling how her family narrowly survived a disaster that washed away part of their former home.

“It was terrifying. Rain destroyed our house, and we were lucky to survive. But now, life is good. We sleep peacefully, we were given beds, furniture, and even food. I can say with confidence that we are no longer living in fear,” she said.

A Climate-Resilient Future

The transformation is part of the broader Green Gicumbi Project, which was launched to support national efforts against climate change, especially in vulnerable areas like Gicumbi District. A 2018 study had identified the district as one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the country.

Eng. Theoneste Bizimenyera, Infrastructure Manager at the Green Gicumbi Project, says the initiative is addressing both housing needs and climate resilience.

“Rwanda, like the rest of the world, faces increasing climate threats. Gicumbi was particularly exposed to disasters due to unsafe housing in high-risk zones. Through this project, we’re not only providing homes but also improving lives in a sustainable way,” he said.

The project has established two model villages—Kabeza and Kaniga—housing 40 and 60 families respectively. All were previously living in disaster-prone areas. The Gicumbi District contributed Rwf 170 million to purchase land for the project, while the total cost of the houses reached Rwf 3.3 billion.

Built with climate resilience in mind, the homes are designed to withstand future environmental shocks, making the residents not just safer, but also more hopeful.

As Gicumbi moves toward a more sustainable future, the Kaniga Model Village stands as a powerful testament to what community-driven climate adaptation can achieve.