Government, yesterday, unveiled a new ‘market infrastructure master plan’ under which idle market structures in various parts of the country could be re-allocated to pave way for other ventures.

Discussing the draft master plan at a validation workshop in Kigali, Francois Kanimba, the Minister for Trade and Industry, said some markets are not utilised because of poor planning.

The workshop brought together officials from ministries of trade, agriculture, finance, infrastructure, as well as mayors and vice-mayors in charge of economic affairs and development.

The new master plan is aimed at ensuring standards and correcting mistakes that might be bogging the sector down.

"For example, many markets are built close to each other yet some people walk long distances to reach the nearest market. Other markets were built, but remain unused for days, while others have no storage facilities, which also need redevelopment,” Kanimba said.

In rural areas, the market should be accessible within a distance not exceeding 10km, according to the master plan.

The minister said the master plan, expected to boost national revenues, only awaits Cabinet approval.

"There was no national master plan for markets construction. A (ministry) study showed that most markets do not meet the required standards and lack basic facilities such as water, electricity, toilets and stores. Others are not strategically located to attract traders and buyers. Markets that do not meet these standards must be redeveloped or used for other purposes,” he said.

Many market structures, especially in rural areas, are left ‘empty’ or underused because they were constructed in areas not occupied by residents, according to officials.

Kijote market buildings in Nyabihu District were cited among the unutilised facilities.

Abdulatif Twahirwa, the Nyabihu District mayor, explained that several other markets had been constructed in areas near Kijote market such as Mahoko, Mukamira and Kora, rendering the former idle.

Kijote market was built hurriedly with officials expecting it would serve people who were evicted from Gishwati buffer zone to Bigogwe sector, he added.

"It has become challenging for us and we are in discussion with the Ministry of Youth and ICT to consider converting the market into an ICT facility or transform it into a vocational and training centre for the youth,” he said. Standards needed

There are 520 markets in Rwanda, many being open-air places, with a total of 101,430 registered traders, according to the ministry’s study.

It indicates that 279 of the markets are not roofed, 288 are not paved, 289 lack stands, 281 lack toilet facilities, 329 are without electricity, while 312 are without water supply.

Once the master plan is approved, no market will be built without an approved plan and standards.

The minister said the master plan is aimed at boosting trade and increasing competitiveness.

It is in line with the second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS II), which calls for development of sustainable rural infrastructure and improvement in the quality and marketing of agricultural products.

The report also recommends developing of feeder roads to help farmers supply their produce with ease.

Phillipe Mutarambirwa, a market infrastructure policy specialist’ said markets should be allocated at strategic areas to help vendors.

He also noted that developers must consider low income segments to facilitate those with little capital to engage in business.

So far, 19 districts have their own market master plans, while the rest of the districts are expected to acquire them this fiscal year.

The markets are constructed by either districts, private investors, or in partnership with government.

Government spends over Rwf10b annually on markets infrastructure.

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