The situation of the people relocated to the Mutambara site is worrying. Despite the efforts of some to undertake development projects, they face many obstacles, including a limited clientele. These residents are calling for the creation of a market that would allow them to expand their sources of income and thus better provide for the needs of their families.
Hussein Sirabahenda, a resident of the Mutambara site, says it is difficult to progress in the same shop, while he finds everything he needs there. The lack of sufficient income makes it impossible for all his children to go to school.
The inhabitants of the Mutambara site on the Mutambara hill, in the Gatete area, in the commune and province of Rumonge are demanding the creation of a market. The latter could offer them a place to obtain basic necessities.
The daily lives of the inhabitants of this site are difficult. While some struggle to find activities, others engage in daily tasks, making access to vital resources even more complex. The scarcity of opportunities often prevents them from providing for the basic needs of their families.
Julias Juma Ruhuzo, the hill chief of Mutambara, emphasizes the need for a market. Recently, the residents of the said hill benefited from a modern slaughterhouse. For him, this slaughterhouse, combined with the establishment of a market, could transform the lives of these residents. Moreover, a market would be a major asset, not only for the citizens of this hill, but also for those of the surrounding localities.
In addition, access to electricity is also a pressing need for this site. This would allow work that depends on this resource to be carried out and provide night lighting, as the installed lamps do not work properly.
Some strive to overcome obstacles
Within the Mutambara site, some residents are trying to find solutions to improve their living conditions and generate enough income to support their families. However, they face obstacles, including a lack of customers.
“When we arrived here, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) helped us by providing us with 100 kilos of rice. I kept 50 kilos to open a shop and the rest I used to feed my family. This is where I find everything I need, because sometimes I look for work and I don’t find any,” said Hussein Sirabahenda, a resident of this site.
Sirabahenda, a father of nine and owner of a shop located there, says it is difficult to advance in the same shop, while he finds everything he needs there. The lack of sufficient income makes it impossible for all his children to go to school, he adds.
His testimony highlights the daily challenges that these families face, while illustrating their efforts to get by despite the difficult living context.
Education in personal development is necessary
The distribution of rabbits to the inhabitants of the Mutambara site has proved to be unsuccessful, as most of the animals have died since their arrival. Ms. Aïsha testifies: “Each family received two rabbits. Some of them even had three or four babies, but in the end, only one remains or all have died.”
For Mr Ruhuzo, the situation highlights the need to provide education to citizens to teach them the basics of personal development. He particularly cites the example of rabbits, whose premature death highlights a lack of skills in animal husbandry. “It is clear that many of them do not have the knowledge to care for these animals and ensure their survival,” he explains.
These testimonies highlight the importance of educational support to improve the autonomy and resilience of residents in carrying out their development projects.
Various sources of income ensure family well-being
At 37, Aïsha, an embroiderer by profession, started her activity at the age of 12. She testifies that her work is essential to provide for the needs of her six children, allowing her to buy food and clothes. In a month, she manages to make two small sheets or a large sheet generating an income of between 90,000 and 100,000 BIF.
At the same time, Mrs. Alice, a mother of one, also earns income from embroidery and selling sweet potato chips and legumes. For her, this activity is all the more important because her husband sometimes has difficulty finding a job. In these circumstances, Alice’s income often constitutes the main financial support for the household. However, she faces challenges, including loss due to a limited clientele. This situation forces her to wait for favorable opportunities to obtain other financing, a process that can take several days. In this context, she appeals to the government and development partners, seeking their help to improve the situation and promote the development of the inhabitants of this site.
Alice also encourages other mothers in this community to unite. According to her, in today’s world, it is essential to roll up your sleeves and work for the survival of the family, because a man can sometimes go looking for work without success.
It should be recalled that these displaced people left their homes due to flooding. Currently, 185 families have been living on this site for a year and four months, living in houses built of tents and covered with metal sheets with three bedrooms and a living room.
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