Minister of Public Service and Labour, Fanfan Rwanyindo has urged public and private institutions to include safety and health measures within their management priorities.

She said this at a ceremony that marked 'World Day for Safety and Health,’ that was held on May 6, 2022 in Rubavu District at Pfunda tea factory. 

The day is celebrated annually on April 28, to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. In Rwanda, the day coincided with other programs, hence had to be celebrated at a later date.

Speaking at the event, Minister Rwanyindo stressed that safety at work should be a culture. 

"It is a responsibility that everyone has to understand, and should be included in your management priorities. It also should be taken as a core value,” she said.

"A healthy worker contributes to the national development and develops themselves,” she added.

Need for improved working conditions

Eric Nzabandora, the head of COTRAF-Rwanda (Congress of Labour and Brotherhood of Rwanda) said that though circumstances are changing compared to the past ten years; there are still gaps that need to be addressed for the safety and health of workers.

"Generally, there are still gaps. We have recently seen claims from different institutions [in Rwanda]. Net salary is still a big issue which the government needs to address," he said.

"We ask the government to get this issue addressed quickly for our safety and health, and also work closely with employers through social dialogues,” he added.

Emerance Ingabire, 46, an employee at Pfunda tea factory, said as employees, they still face certain challenges such as underpayment among other issues they face at work.

"There is a need for an increase in salary so that food security is addressed, and most importantly, the government should set a standard salary for us. We do not have health insurance. When I get sick, I struggle with getting treatment as Mutuelle de Sante does not work with private pharmacies,” the mother-of-two says.

In Rubavu District, an inspection was carried out in some companies and recommendations were given, Ildephonse Kambogo, Mayor of Rubavu District told The New Times.

At the same event, a 'Workplace Wellness Program' week was launched.

The event was organised by MIFOTRA, Ministry of Health (MINISANTE) through Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC).