The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice joins the families, colleagues and indeed all Gambians to mourn the untimely death of seven members of staff of the KEI Construction Company which sad event occurred today 9th October 2024 in the North Bank Region of the Gambia. We pray that the gentle souls of the departed rest in perfect peace, and that their families and loved ones have the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
We consider this incident a national tragedy for which we call on the Government to declare a period of national mourning. These departed gentlemen died in circumstances in which they were serving the country as they were contracted by the national corporation, NAWEC to provide vital infrastructure for the country.
We are however deeply concerned at the occurrence of this incident given its high-risk nature involving electricity. While the exact cause of the tragic incident is yet to be established by the relevant authorities, we would however highlight that it is the fundamental rights of workers that working conditions are conducive and adequate to guarantee their safety including the protection of their health and life. Workers who operate in high-risk environments and with high-risk materials and tools need all necessary protective gear and safety precautions.
For that matter, we hereby call on the Inspector General of Police to launch an investigation into the circumstances of this tragic incident to determine its exact causes and ensure accountability.
In this regard, we wish to remind NAWEC, KEI and the Gambia Government that workers have a right to adequate and reasonable compensation for injury and death according to ILO Conventions to which the Gambia is a signatory.
Finally, we wish to call on the National Human Rights Commission to monitor and provide the necessary guidance to ensure that the rights and benefits of these workers and their families are guaranteed to the fullest.
The Edward Francis Centre for Rights and Justice will monitor the situation to ensure that the rule of law is adhered to and the rights and benefits of the departed and their families are adequately protected and fulfilled.
In The Spirit of Edward Francis Small, For The Gambia Our Homeland.
By Madi Jorbateh