NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI — The Secretary General of the Rwanda Fraternity Labour Congress (COTRAF) Dominic Bicamumpaka, has said they will train over 1200 construction workers in acquiring modern construction  skills, in the Gicumbi district.

"In addition to training, COTRAF shall also avail brick making machines to Gicumbi district construction workers, to uplift their vocations and generate better incomes,” said Bicamumpaka. He was addressing the workers who turned up for a one-day meeting at Gicumbi stadium.

The National executive coordinator for construction workers, Francois Ntakimana urged the construction workers to form workers union to defend their rights as stipulated in the Labour laws.

"Labour unions enable employees and employers to respect laws touching on labour relations,” said Ntakimana.

The workers grouped under their cooperative society (COTRABAGI) resolved to set up minimum wages for each construction worker at the district.

Speaking on behalf of the workers, the chairperson of COTRABAGI, Jean Bosco Karemera said each construction worker at the district should be paid a minimum wage of Rwf.4,000 and Rwf.2,000 for casual labourers per day.

"Each construction worker and casual labourer at construction sites should not accept payment below the minimum living wages agreed upon”, he said.

Olivier Gakuba, the district labour inspector, reminded construction workers of their rights to safety gear while working on construction sites.

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