I read a similar article in today's Observer where the workers at Radville
Farm are crying over the terrible conditions they have to work in daily.  I
find it real hard to believe that they are paid JUST D11.10/day (Daily
Observer). Wonder how far D233/month can take anyone. Farming is not an easy
job at all and I hope the Government will take some measures to help these
poor people.

Mam J


>From: Momodou Camara <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: FWD:The Consequences of The Fire That Threatened Radville Cold
>          Stores.
>Date: Tue, 13 Mar 2001 16:10:20 +0100
>
>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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