Burera water project labourers complain over delayed pay

More than 200 casual labourers working for Strong Project, a water project in Burera district, are complaining over non-payment of their wages.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Some of the workers who camped at Kinyababa sector demanding for their wages. The New Times/ J. Mbonyinshuti

More than 200 casual labourers working for Strong Project, a water project in Burera district, are complaining over non-payment of their wages.The labourers told this paper on Monday at Kinyababa sector that they have not been paid for the last three months.Ezechiel Niyomukiza, from Nyamasheke district in Western Province, said he first worked with the project in his home district before he was transferred to Burera."Since I started here three months ago I have not been paid. I am suffering as I have no food and I have taken debts from many people around who are after me now,” said Niyomukiza.Each worker, mainly involved in digging tunnels for water pipes, gets between Rwf3,500 and Rwf4,000 per day.Felicien Habimana, the project engineer, acknowledged the delays, but said the salary arrears are for two months and not three as the labourers claimed."We are waiting for receipts from administration so we can pay them. We are also cash-strapped as we have not been paid. They will be paid within a week,” said Habimana.