A multimillion taxi park and a public market project in Nyagatare District are nearing completion.

Some Rwf2 billion has been sunk into the two projects, expected to give the district a breezy landmark. 

The market cost Rwf1.5 billion, with the park consuming the balance, authorities said on Tuesday.

Eastern Province governor Odette Uwamariya, who was accompanied by various stakeholders, said the new infrastructure will not only change the face of the town, but also address a plethora of issues.

 "Nyagatare has had a problem of taxi park for long. Vehicles have been parking anywhere, causing a chaotic setting. Now that there is an enclosed parking area, we expect a change,” she said.

"The market, too, will help small scale retailers operating in the open as they have been suffering during bad weather.” 

The governor said the park and the market were constructed close to each other due to their inter-relationship.

"The two are complementary in nature; somebody can easily access transport after buying goods from the market and vice versa. Constructing the two close to each other was not by accident, but planned for the benefit of the users,” Uwamariya said.

Fred Sabiti Atuhe, the district mayor, said the district would go for more projects that offered full opportunities for community development.

"We are now able to kill two birds with one stone. The projects will also help address the issue of unemployment,” he said.

"Our energetic youth are expected to jump on the opportunities provided. They can group themselves in cooperatives, access loans and start businesses either in the park or market.”