Over 1,000 paper plant workers to receive salary

By Roselyn Obala

The multi-billion shillings Webuye Paper Mills is set to be operational with traders recording improved business two weeks after the factory re-opened.

Yesterday Industrialisation PS Kibicho Karanja toured the plant on his first official assignment and assured more than 1,000 workers they will start earning their salaries this week.

"We have finalised payment arrangements and salaries for April and May and is already in the bank," he said.

"We are impressed with the way you volunteered to ensure the factory was back on its feet without demanding any pay," he added.

Mr John Munyasia, a trader at Sango said business has improved since the factory re-opened.

The PS added that all former employees of the firm would be reinstated to boost the economy of the region.

He also announced that payments for former employees have been finalised.

He, however, explained that they are in the process of converting the ownership of the plant.

"This was a private firm. We are engaged in a legal process to ensure the Government takes over ownership," he added.

People jobless

The PS noted that a lot of industries in the country have been shut down due to poor management and negligence.

"This is a vital investment in line with Vision 2030. It was unfortunate that it was closed down rendering people jobless," he said.

Karanja said the country will gain with the exportation of the paper and packaging products to neighbouring nations of Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda.

He said the Government has put in place a strategy to ensure the plant does not close down again.

"Out of the four machines, it is only one that is not operational at the moment, but with time the repairs will commence," he said.

Public Works PS John Lonyangapoua accompanied Karanja.