Reforestation on Mbwe hill to combat soil erosion and landslides threatening lake Ruhondo
Residents of Gashaki Sector in Musanze District, particularly from Mbwe Cell, have voiced their concerns over the steep hillsides in their area. The lack of tree cover has been a significant driver of soil erosion and landslides, which have consistently washed debris into Lake Ruhondo.
On Saturday, November 23, 2024, the Northern Province administration, in collaboration with Musanze District officials, security agencies, and local residents, organized a massive tree-planting activity on Mbwe Hill to address these issues.
The community sees the newly planted trees as a long-term solution to protect their crops from erosion, which has previously caused significant losses.
Evariste Nkurunziza, a resident of Kamatete Village in Kivumu Cell, shared his perspective:
“Today’s tree planting is a breakthrough for us. It offers hope that we’ll no longer lose our crops and fertilizers to the aggressive soil erosion from Mbwe Hill that has been flowing straight into Lake Ruhondo.”
The steep nature of the hill has made it a hotspot for landslides, which sweep large volumes of soil and debris into the lake.
Akimanizanye, another resident, emphasized the importance of protecting the planted trees:
“We must be the first to ensure these trees grow and strengthen the soil. Without them, the lake continues to fill with silt, turning it muddy and reducing fish populations. If we’re not careful, we risk losing the lake altogether.”
Over 6,000 trees were planted across four hectares on Mbwe Hill, covering both public and private lands.
Musanze District Mayor, Claudien Nsengimana, highlighted the critical need for this initiative and urged residents to protect the newly planted trees:
“Gashaki Sector is one of our areas prone to disasters due to its steep terrain and proximity to Lake Ruhondo. Planting trees here is essential to protect the hills from erosion and preserve the lake. This will safeguard farmlands and ensure the lake remains a vital resource for the community.”
He expressed particular concern over the previously bare state of Mbwe Hill, noting that the lack of vegetation allowed unregulated water flow to carry soil directly into the lake, gradually reducing its size. The tree-planting effort, he explained, will ensure water filters naturally, preserving both the lake and surrounding farmland.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Interior (MININTER) in partnership with the Northern Province, Musanze District, and Gashaki Sector residents.
In addition to the tree-planting, residents were educated on community security, focusing on preventing domestic conflicts, night theft, and the importance of robust night patrols to enhance safety in the area.
