Those able bodied men from Gishamvu made their profession more attractive and reliable even if they still undergo working challenges relating to the lack of sophisticated machines as to make it effective and efficient.
Their historical background started in 1973 when the profession became famous after being launched by the members of Abacuzi clan, currently inhabiting the Nyumba cell, Gishambu sector in Huye District.
Afterwards the metal workers created a cooperative called COFOGI that helps them to learn from each other and gain more money through the increased sales.
The metal working became a profession that new generations inherited form their forefathers. The metal workers produce, spears, arrows, hoes axes, among other useful metal tools.
The representative of the cooperative COFOGI, Havugimana Jean Bosco told UM– USEKE that the his cooperative has 36 active members, including old and young ones.
He said that the members are able to gain a one money through efforts provided .The start up cost of each member at the his/her adherence to the cooperative is worthy 70,000 but it keeps increasing as more sales are made.
Havugimana said that the metal workers still use their arms to handle the metal and all necessary tools in their daily activities, a situation that endangers their lives.
He urges the willing and able operators to intervene and provide possible support the metal workers in the cooperative.
The use of arms and traditional tolls negatively impacts on the productivity.
The metal workers have spread over country especially in the Western and Northern region of Rwanda, Gisenyi, and in Nyakizu, in the South Province.
The metal workers from Gishamvu affirms their higher performance in comparison to the rest of the metal workers countrywide.
UM– USEKE.RW
