The Consequences of The Fire That Threatened Radville Cold Stores.

What Is The Fate of The Workers?

After a fire incident close to the airport which consume an area recovering
3000 sq. meters, FOROYAA decided to mount an investigation into the causes
and consequences of the fire.
Our investigation revealed that on 1st March 2001, the fire started from the
eastern end of the airport. By 2pm it came close to the power house of the
cold store. Workers were asked to help put off the fire. They had no
protective gears and had little experience in fighting fires. 20 workers of
different ages took part in the fire fighting exercise. In the process, many
young women and girls either suffered from suffocation or became injured.
They were rushed to Banjul Nding Health centre and then to RVH. The number
of people affected were  mainly female. Out of the 20 persons affected only
5 were males.

The fire incident had raised concerns of the plight of the workers.
Apparently 600 persons are employed at the cold store. 75% of the workers
are females. 85% are on daily wages.

FOROYAA wanted to speak to the manager to find out whether those who took
part in putting off the fire were insured, find out their wages, the plans
of the company for compensation and further treatment of the injured.
It could be observed that the cold store was protected from any damage. This
should compel the management to compensate the workers.

One thing that FOROYAA observed is that the workers for Radville are highly
intimidated. Some have explained that talking to the press could lead to
dismissal; that there is no job security. Some indicated that things get
worse for them when they take up their issue with the Unions or labour
Department. We asked for evidence. They give examples which we will first
discuss with management, the unions and the labour department. We will
publish the allegations and our findings in due course. The following are
included in the fire incident.

FOROYAA will appreciate any report of any difficulty being experienced by
any of the victims.
Those who suffered so much to save a cold storage facility should receive
the highest level of attention for their deeds. Some of the people affected
are as follows: Penda Jallow, Adama Sillah, Fatou Sisay, Musa Nyassi, fatou
Jatta, Siney Tamba, Awa Sisay, Yassin Kambi, Fatou Bah, Ansu Bojang, Buba
Jallow, Kemo Tarawally, Alhagie Badjie, Borry Camara, and Bakary  Sanyang.

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