KAYONZA - Garbage collectors in Kayonza town, working under an association known as Duharinirisuku, have expressed fear of contracting diseases, due to lack of protective gear.  

"At first glance, garbage collection may not seem extremely hazardous. But it can be dangerous and even deadly. We often collect carcasses of pets, broken glass and syringes from the trash bins. Yet we use bare hands and feet,”

Emmanuel Bizimana, one of the garbage collectors said. . 
The workers also complained that they do not have health insurance to cover them in case they are infected.

According to Dr. Claude Nsengimana, to avoid the risk of infection, such workers should be extra cautious.

‘Garbage collectors should wear protective gear, including spectacles, nose-and-mouth masks, and heavy gloves’, he said. 

When contacted for a comment, the district director of health services, Denise Uwera said the problem is with the business operators who are contracted to collect garbage. But she promised to look into the issue. 

"These people get contracts with full compliance regarding safety and health issues. However along the way they change their modes of operations,” Uwera said.

"We shall follow up on them so that they explain why they have not lived as per the expectations of their contracts.”

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