Widows cashing in on garbage

Buoyed by the increasing volume of garbage in Kigali City, the Dusabane Association is cashing in on making and selling manure from the rubbish. Each home is charged at least Frw1, 000 monthly in order to keep Kigali clean from generating too much garbage. Women workers process the solid waste into fertilisers.The current market price is Frw1500-2000 per wheelbarrow, while a 5 tonnes truck costs Frw30, 000. Madina Uzamushaka, the president of the association said they received assistance from the government and a Canadian Cooperation to start the fertiliser business. “We got wheelbarrows, bags, gloves, computers, chairs and a house where we conduct our business,” she said. Uzamushaka said they are planning to install a machine for processing cassava, potatoes and banana peels into charcoal. There are about 115 members in the association but only 79 members are involved in the garbage disposal business. “The number of members is increasing due to profitability of the business,” said Uzamushaka. “Saving was a dream among our members before, but now we have started to smile.” Ends