UGANDA, Kigezi | Real Muloodi News | President Museveni has directed all residents living in flood-prone areas to move at least 50 metres away from riverbanks, 200 metres from lake shores, and not to build on hills with a gradient greater than 30 degrees.
This directive follows the recent floods and landslides in the Kigezi Sub-region and Ntoroko District that claimed the lives of 20 people.
The President’s directive is aimed at preventing further loss of life in flood-prone areas. Museveni emphasised that the environmental requirements should be observed strictly to prevent landslides, mudslides and other flood-related disasters.
He urged Ugandans to preserve trees and forests near water bodies to manage disasters along the disaster-prone areas.
According to Museveni, forests play a crucial role in preventing landslides and floods.
“Forests hold the soil and prevent the land slides. The roots of the trees hold the soil. The forests near the riverbanks and lake shores filter the water going into the rivers or lakes, so that they do not silt,” Museveni explained.
Museveni has also directed the State House Comptroller to provide USh5m to each bereaved family and USh1m to the injured individuals to help them cover their treatment costs. This move is aimed at alleviating the financial burden of the affected families and individuals.
On Tuesday 2nd May 2023, a downpour in the Kigezi region, particularly in the Kisoro, Rubanda and Rukiga districts, left dozens of gardens and houses destroyed. The mudslide also paralysed traffic flow in Kabale District as roads were damaged and others flooded.
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