Heavy Rain Causes Erosion on Land at Child Hope Center in Kimisagara

Erosion from heavy rain in the parking lot area of the Child Hope Center in Kimisagara, Rwanda.

Written by: Jenn O’Neill

Heavy rain in Rwanda is creating some treacherous conditions in the capital of Kigali and challenges for our partner, Africa Hope Initiatives at one of our Child Hope Centers.

Bishop Theophile Rugubira says activities at our Child Hope Center in Kimisagara have not been interrupted at this time and so far the new church and center have not suffered any damage. However, part of the land where the parking lot is located has seen significant erosion due to the heavy rainfall that swept through the area. The property sits on a steep slope and a retaining wall is greatly needed.

Construction on the church and center was completed in the spring of 2022. However, funding for the retaining wall project is still needed. It is estimated to cost about 20 thousand U.S. dollars. 

Sandbags were previously used as a temporary solution to fortify the soil. the parking lot sits on top, along with the entrance to the Child Hope Center which is seen to the right.

“It may take time but we have to do something. We are trying to secure some funds to get the project started for now to maintain it until we can complete the project,” Rugubira says.

The wall will create a safe perimeter on the steep slope side of the property and fortify the land especially during the short and long rainy seasons. Rugubira’s team has relied on sandbags up until this point but the erosion still happened and the land is still threatened.

“I know the God who helped provide the resources to build the church and center is the same God who will help us finish the retaining wall project,” Rugubira says.  

Kigali is made up of steep hills and valleys. Even though Kigali is a city with several modern buildings, poor drainage systems create widespread flash flooding. Three people died during the most recent flooding.

Bishop Theo says the rainy season usually occurs in December, February and April but this year, it started earlier than usual.

Would you like to help us with this project? Donate to our general fund for our Child Hope Center in Kimisagara.