Bujumbura — A monument that was recently built in a roundabout of Kamenge as a gateway to the capital city of Bujumbura was destroyed by heavy rains that hit the Commune Kamenge, damaging many houses, on Wednesday 31 October 2007.

The monument wore the inscription "Burundi beau pays des Tambours" (Burundi Beautiful Country of Drums).

The construction of the monument cost taxpayers more than 45 million Burundian francs. The whole structure fell apart after the base failed to hold. Although this monument was still under construction, it had started to attract many people searching for a better background for their photos.

The construction of this landmark was controversial as some independent sources indicated that the building contract was dogged by many irregularities.

Only the roofs of houses in this area were destroyed, although adobe brick constituted the main building material. No high profile member of the government has yet come to assist the

population whose houses were damaged or the fine monument which should be rebuilt to beautify the city.

Heavy rains continue to fall on the capital city of Bujumbura. Traffic was blocked this morning for more than an hour as many roads in the heart of Bujumbura were flooded by waters reaching unprecedented levels. Houses were also destroyed in Buyenzi and Bwiza communes as well.