The City of Kigali (CoK) has agreed to extend the December 5 deadline it had given to traders to vacate the central business district commercial hub, popularly known as ‘Quartier Mateus.’ 

The new deadline is in February 2016.

The decision follows claims by traders that they had been given a short notice to prepare themselves for the relocation.

The traders said unless they got an extension, they would suffer losses, especially during the holiday season.

The looming eviction is meant to pave way for the construction of modern buildings in the central business district.

Speaking at a meeting with traders at Kigali City Hall on Thursday, Mayor Fidele Ndayisaba said the extension was based on the business operators and landlords’ requests.

"We don’t want to put you into losses. We are here to help, hear people’s views and wishes. We wish you to run your businesses and prosper. We have been receiving claims that the deadline is ill-timed. We want all of you to enjoy the New Year. Good governance means considering people’s views,” Ndayisaba said.

The mayor told the traders that the extension had some conditions that had to be followed.

"Those who need additional time to relocate will need to write a letter explaining why they need more time to relocate. The City of Kigali informed you through written notices and you will have to ask for extensions in a similar manner,” he added.

"Only those who write formal requests will be accorded the new deadline. The deadline for submitting these extension requests to the City of Kigali is November 25. Anyone who doesn’t present a written request will be affected by the December 5 deadline.”

The additional months will allow the traders to find new business premises, Ndayisaba added.

The City of Kigali urged landlords to respect the deadline extension and not to disturb their tenants by asking them to leave their premises early.

Traders welcome extension

Mariette Tumukunde, a trader in Quartier Mateus, said she is happy that the City extended the deadline.

"We complained that the deadline would interfere with our business. December, with Christmas, New Year and the beginning of academic year, is the time when businesses boom. We wish to see our country move forward and no one else will make it possible except citizens. When our leaders consider our concerns, we are motivated to work hard to develop the country and ourselves,” Tumukunde said.

Andre Bitwayiki, the president of Private Sector Federation in the City of Kigali, thanked the city officials for considering peoples’ wishes, adding that the new plans will develop not only the people but the country as well.

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