KIGALI - Work yesterday came to a standstill at the ongoing construction of a stone wall to prevent erosion and mudslides at Sopetrade when part of the wall caved in injuring five workers.

According to an eye witness, the incident happened when the five in a group of 26 were taking part in digging the foundation.

"I saw the soil cover the men and immediately called for help. That’s how we managed to pull them out,” said John Baptist Hakizimana, one of the workers.

The victims were rushed to the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK)). However, Hakizimana noted that there is need to improve on the safety conditions, calling upon the City Council to make a follow-up and ensure that their employer puts in place adequate safety precautions.

The wall is being constructed by a Chinese construction firm, China Road and Bridge Construction Corporation (CRBC), which Kigali City contracted to rehabilitate 36 km of city roads.

"Patients are under going treatment and results show that they will be fine,” said Theobald Hategekimana, the Director General of CHUK.

Meanwhile, Kigali City Mayor, Dr. Aisa Kirabo Kacyira paid a visit to the injured persons. The city announced that it was working together with the employer to ensure that the injured are taken care of and their families informed.

Those who were injured include Evariste Uwimana, Emmanuel Tuyishime, Valence Nshutiraguma, Elevaza Mudende and Eric Gatete. 

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