A mass of 1, 945 substandard  weigh scales impounded from different markets, especially within Kigali city, are stockpiled in the Rwanda Bureau of Standards’ (RBS) after a major clean-up operation meant to deal with dishonest traders.

RBS publicist Chantal Rukeba told The New Times Tuesday that a countrywide sensitization campaign was launched in March but some traders continue to cheat and hence the ongoing operation.

"What is very important or the main reason as to why RBS is carrying out this operation is for consumer protection because these people are cheating buyers,” Rukeba said.

"Secondly, this is also about promoting fair trade – and it is not just about the weighing scales. It also includes other operations like in the verification of petrol stations and market surveillance – the removal of substandard products on the market.”

Rukeba admitted that the cost (ranging from Rwf 60,000 to 70,000) of the required model of weigh scales is way high but stressed that they can be acquired if the vendors formed cooperatives, as already advised.

The revelation comes barely a week after four RBS quality inspectors, were roughed up by irate vendors as they attempted to seize sub-standard weigh scales, in Kimironko market.

"People should know that World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations exist and these clearly say that a proper weigh scale should be sealed and stamped by the pertinent authority, and that authority in Rwanda, is RBS,” said Habimana an official at RBS.

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