Focus Media (Kigali)
Abraham Rumanzi
21 October 2009
The ministry of infrastructure has kicked off a campaign for the removal of all roofs made of asbestos material, since it poses a health hazard. Asbestos has been banned in many countries due to its contribution to lung disease, especially cancer. Nevertheless, in Rwanda the hazardous material can still be found in many buildings, the owners of which are often ignorant of the health risks.
Confirming the ban, Theoneste Mbanda, the personal assistant in the ministry of infrastructure, said the ministry had given a 6 month notice for the removal of all roofs containing asbestos. "We cannot take the risking any more; the effects are harmful especially when one is exposed to the material for many years," he remarked.
He further added that poor building policies in the past have led to the entry of asbestos in the country, but now the import of the material is prohibited.
During the asbestos elimination process, to be conducted by the ministry of infrastructure together with the Rwanda Environment Management Authority, the public is advised to isolate areas where the activity was going on since direct inhalation of the substance can also damage the lungs. Workers carrying out the removal should also wear face-masks.
Mbanda pointed out that the government would only compensate those who had acquired building license's allowing them to use asbestos while the rest would be required to meet the 6-month deadline. Failure to do so would result in the ministry forcefully demolishing the roofs. He added that the ministry was in talks with relevant stakeholders so as to embark on a national campaign aimed at educating the public about the dangers of asbestos.
Experts say asbestos becomes particularly unsafe when it starts wearing out. However, due to its cheap price and easy availability, many have fallen for the product without being aware of the health risks or even how to maintain the substance.
A good example can be found at Chez Venant near the main roundabout, which is undergoing renovation. When visited recently, workers were scrubbing dust from the asbestos roofs without any protection tools.
One of the managers of Chez Venant said he was unaware of the ban on asbestos, and neither did he realize that the material was harmful. "For us it is normal business, we renovate areas which are badly worn out, and so far we haven't heard any health complaints as a result of our roofs," he said.
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