Amidst the expanding trajectory of the Rwandan economy, consumers’ rights and interests are to be protected and promoted, an official has said. Arthur Murangira who was representing MINICOM at a one -day education workshop at Ninzi Hotel Wednesday stressed the need to create free and fair competition among traders. “It would influence policies, legislation and administrative framework towards promoting consumer interests thus protecting and enhancing consumers’ interests through information and education,” Murangira said. He added that the effort would actively and diligently provide consumers with research findings, survey results and information in a bid to make every Rwandan a smart consumer. Although consumers may feel victimized by the increasing prices, poor service quality, unethical business practices, poor quality, harmful and dangerous products, their voices may be heard loud and clear. Murangira pointed out that it would need support from all quarters, and once the move had gained critical mass, then one can demand better protection from a position of strength. “Eventually clearer transparency, proper ethical standards and good business practices will benefit all consumers,” said he. The Director General of Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA) , Col Diogene Mudenge, emphasized the need for political, financial and institutional independence in handling consumer issues and their responsibilities. “Consumer empowerment and protection is a responsibility of the consumer as well. They should be honest, reasonable, informed and involved,” said Mudenge. Speaking on behalf of Rwanda Bureau of standards (RBS), Charles Rutaganwa explained their central role in ensuring that goods and services are delivered to the consumers conform to required standards. “RBS has got a mandate of delivering knowledge to the consumers with the purpose of making them understand standards so that they can fight for their rights because without consumers fully appreciating the status of standards, enforcement will be difficult,” said Rutaganwa. Ends
