The Metrology Service Unit within the Rwanda Bureau of Standards (RBS) represented Rwanda in recognizing the World Metrology Day. The unit has a long way to go in order to set an international standard both in the business field and promoting the people’s welfare.

Among RBS’ many tasks is removing all old fashioned weighing scales and replacing them with modern ones in order prevent consumers from being ripped off by unscrupulous traders.

According to RBS Public Relations Officer, Chantal Rukeba, there is a need to keep all measurements taken in different parts of the world uniform in order to ensure fair trade.

"The reason why we are confiscating all the adjustable weighing scales and advising people to shift to the new and modern ones, is to make sure that business in the market becomes favourable unlike before where people have faced problems because of differences in weights and measures.” She adds that the standards which are being enforced are international and a pre-requisite in the global market.

"What is being done within the business community in the country is the same thing we do with imports and exports to ensure the weights and measures are standard.”

She explained that although some people are experiencing a hard time shifting to the modern scales, those who are already using them have already commended the change to be for the better.

"We have received feedback from business people who are already using the new and modern scales saying that they have realized that the modern scales are far better than the adjustable and old fashioned ones.”

She also said that these scales are being accredited basing on the standard units unlike the adjustable ones whose measurements have not been authentic.

Alex Tugirimana, a shop keeper in Nyabugogo, says that he is very aware of the quality of the new and modern scales. He however adds that it is very expensive for him.

"Yes, I have seen one and I am convinced but the cost at which it is sold makes me continue with this old one until the time I will save and get that much to buy it.”

According to Rukeba, the modern weighing scales range from Rwf 50,000 to 70,000 while the adjustable scales ranged from Rwf 10,000 to Rwf15000 in price.

The value of the new ones is attributed to its good quality and efficiency compared to the old model. The metrology service unit has not only embarked on curbing cheating by old fashioned and adjustable weighing scales, but even the cheating at petrol stations.

The official said that there has been a prolonged battle between petrol station operators and drivers arising from suspicion of cheating. It is alleged that pump attendants could set the pumps to provide less litres of fuel than what was paid for. 

"We have and we still fight to see that such tendencies become extinct. This used to slow down business between the two parties. The seller would lose in due course though they would not easily realise it,” Rukeba noted.

She added that in every sort of business which includes weighing and measuring; keeping a standard unit of measurement should be a must to keep the service perfect and enjoyed by clients.

Some people do not intend to cheat, but the machines or tools they use affect their good performance hence creating a spirit of distrust in business.

In that regard, the official said that products and services should be carefully measured to ensure their value, safety and to create a reliable connection between the buyer and seller.

Commenting on Healthcare, the unit is ensuring that composition and dosage of medication are carefully measured to ensure protection and effectiveness.

"Nationals should be protected from either over or under dosage”.

Energy supplies are also carefully measured in order to promote efficiency and proper billing. This will promote people’s welfare and build-on industrial work to full capacity since the cost of electricity will be proportional to usage.

The same has been enforced with water supply, food and chemicals. Cheating has been reduced and industries continue to realize the benefits of the unit according to Rukeba, and this is practically witnessed through the requests and appreciative remarks received from various calibrated industries.

Rukeba is proud to say that protection of both consumers and buyers has to a great extent been achieved. He, however hastened to add that there is still a shortage man-power to effectively operate countrywide.

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