WESTERN PROVINCE

KARONGI — The construction of a modern market at Bwishyura has started.

The market worth Frw600m will be constructed in two phases. Work on the first phase expected to take six months was launched on Monday by Bwishyura Sector leaders. The first phase is estimated to cost Frw260m.

"We want to build a model market because it’s all we always wanted,” said John Baptist Hakizimana, a sector official.

The new market will have 320 stalls with stores. Part of it will be a storied building that will be rented out for office space.

"Travel agencies and banks should book space in advance,” said Hakizimana.

"The construction is being funded by funds from the Common Development Fund (CDF) and other few private individuals,” he added.

The market plan was conceived in 2004 but work but did not take off because the plot that the sector had reserved for the market was in a swampy area.

However, some of the business people who talked to The New Times expressed mixed reactions. Whereas some said it was a welcome move, others feared the stalls would be too expensive for them.

"We had always requested the district to get us out of this mess we call a market to a better place,” said Perusi Mukande a business woman.

"We think we shall be able to stock much for wholesale which hasn’t been the case,” said Vianne Mutoni.

"I doubt whether we shall be able to raise the rent money because to some of us even renting here (old market) has been a problem,” one said. Residents say the new market will save them the risk of shopping in a filthy place.

The old market located in Kibuye has been characterized by potholes and stagnant water pools especially during the rainy season.

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