The effects of a liberalized market in Rwanda are beginning to manifest through the ongoing silent commercial war among mattress manufacturing companies in the country and those from East African member countries, Igihe.com has learnt.
Rwandaform a former monopoly of mattress products in Rwanda has now embarked on a campaign aimed at eradicating poverty beddings in form of make shift grass cushions onto which most poor families retire.
The company’s director Patrick Makuza says that the mattresses will be issued on credit to vulnerable groups.Makuza rather encourages those in need of mattresses to group themselves into cooperatives making it easier for them to access credit in banks. Those that purchase mattresses in bulk will receive a discount.
“Currently we’re working on how to implement this program, but our main aim is to have all Rwandans sleeping on quality mattresses,” he remarks arguing that Rwandaform mattresses are not only durable but also ensure ones physical health.
Makuza attacked those selling mattresses produced from neighbouring countries at very low prices compared to those of Rwandaform describing them as fake the very reason they are sold at extremely low prices.
In the last few years mattresses from neighbouring countries especially Uganda and Tanzania have amplified competition in the Rwanda market through offering prices Rwandan clients consider affordable compared to Rwandaform mattress prices.
However, Makuza claims, “the cheap mattresses are often substandard and that can lead to back pain when used. He adds that Rwandaform provides orthopaedic mattresses used by those suffering from back pain and can also be used by those who are not ill to help reduce fatigue”.
Efforts to reach for comment from the Rwanda bureau of standards were unsuccessful, as most could not answer their phones.
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