The usually bustling commercial area of the Central Business District, popularly known as Quartier Mateus, was yesterday as quiet as a funeral as traders moved their merchandise to different parts of the city.

Businesses have began to vacate the oldest and busiest business district in downtown Kigali to pave way for the construction of modern buildings.

City authorities say they have already issued construction permits to private developers to put up varied structures in the area.

Initially, traders were supposed to vacate the area on December 5 last year but the deadline was extended at their request, some had said they were not yet ready to move.

Others had said relocating then was not good for business ahead of the festive season, the busiest period for traders.

Subsequently, the city authorities extended the deadline by three months, to February 25, which elapsed on Thursday.

Most businesses in Quartier Mateus are expected to move to CHIC Building, a new complex in downtown Kigali, which was developed by a consortium of business operators.

According to city authorities others will relocate to new buildings both downtown and in upcoming urban centres of Remera and Gisozi in Gasabo District.

Fred Mugisha, the director of urban planning and construction at CoK, told Saturday Times that there were many premises around the city for relocated traders.

Expensive alternatives

A trader who spoke to Saturday Times said they did not oppose relocating but complained that rent was more expensive compared to Quartier Mateus.

One trader, only identified as Emmanuel, said that CHIC Building—where most of the traders are likely to relocate—is not fully equipped to immediately accommodate them.

He noted that despite the fact that the new building was built to suit their kind of businesses, they will struggle to afford rent.

"A single room in CHIC Building could be going for up to Rwf1 million a month (rent fee) yet, we were paying around Rwf500,000 here in Mateus. It’s going to be difficult,” he said.

The other hurdle, according to him, was that they were being told to partition their rooms by themselves, which will further strain them financially.

Another trader, who identified herself only as Clemence, commended the initiative to move from the dilapidated premises in Quartier Mateus saying it would in the long run bring them more business.

"It will take time for our regular customers to get to know where we have moved, but, we had to relocate,” she said, commending the new complex for its ample parking space for their clients.

CoK’s Mugisha acknowledged that new buildings might have "a slightly higher rent” but the city had little to do in regulating the rent for owners of private buildings.

"The owner has full rights to their property. When it comes to the issue of rent, the city has nothing to do with it. The owner and the tenant should negotiate on mutually beneficial terms,” said Mugisha.

"There are many cheaper and well positioned buildings in this city. Traders should consider them. Chic Building is not the only shopping complex in Kigali,” said Mugisha.

Meanwhile, Mugisha confirmed to Saturday Times that the city had already issued three construction licenses to various private developers for Quartier Mateus.

"By the end of 2017, Quartier Mateus will have new structures,” he said.

This month will see the first phase of vacating the upper end of Quartier Mateus come into force, with the second phase expected to be implemented "as soon as the first phase is out” said Mugisha.

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