FACTUAL CLARIFICATION ON SANITATION WORKERS IN #KIGALI Recent claims circulating on social media regarding the treatment of street cleaners in #KigaliYacu are inaccurate and misleading. Since last year, street cleaning services across major roads of the City of Kigali have been delivered through structured Youth Cooperatives. These cooperatives not only ensure the cleanliness of the city but also provide organised employment, improved livelihoods, and access to social protection for their members. The facts are clear: ▶️ All staff receive their salaries on time. Any irregularities, when identified, are addressed immediately. ▶️ Since the establishment of the cooperatives, salaries have increased by 40%, driven by improved efficiency and better management of resources. ▶️ As part of this improved system, low-cost items such as brooms are gradually acquired by the workers themselves. This approach reduces operational costs and is one of the key factors that made it possible to achieve the 40% salary increase. The cost of a broom represents less than 2% of a worker’s monthly salary. ▶️ All workers are paid through formal banking systems, enabling contributions to the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) pension benefits. ▶️ In districts such as @KicukiroDistr, members participate in the INGOBOKA savings scheme, which provides structured support during social and family events; and will soon help them pay for Health Insurance for their families. ▶️ Recent Cooperative-run shop established allow members to access essential goods at affordable prices, with flexible payment arrangements. ▶️ All cooperatives operate under formal contracts with the City of Kigali that safeguard members’ rights, welfare, and working conditions. These systems reflect a deliberate and ongoing commitment to protect the dignity of street cleaners, improve livelihoods, and ensure structured and accountable service delivery. The @CityofKigali remains firmly committed to continuously strengthening these systems and addressing any identified gaps through appropriate channels. Rwanda will continue to progress through collective effort, starting with recognising and valuing essential workers whose contributions are vital to national development, including street cleaners. Thank you.
