The Mayor of Karongi District, Mukarutesi Vestine, has urged residents to refrain from burning forests, because it harms the environment and pollutes the air.
The mayor spoke on Friday after more than 20 hectares of forests were burned by fire in Karongi district.
“We tried to track down the residents. In fact we still do not know the perpetrators of this fire, but we have taken measures to maintain security, and people avoid burning because it harms the environment and infrastructure.”
Mayor Mukarutesi further added that more patrols have been appointed to ensure this fire does not burn again.
People in Karongi district said extinguishing the fire was difficult due to the fact that tree branches were used, but with the help of the Army, the people, the Police and local officials, the fire was extinguished.
The Executive Secretary of the Bwishyura Sector, Ayabagabo Faustin, told the media that the cause of the attack had not yet been determined. However, he noted that investigations were underway.
Ayabagabo added that so far one resident has been arrested who went to collect honey, and it is suspected that that person started the fire. It is also suspected that the breeders set fire because they want grass for their animals when it rains.
“We think it was caused by people who wanted to feed their animals when it rained,” he said.
