Eastern Province

GATSIBO – Scores of traders operating in Rugarama Sector, Gatsibo District have welcomed the district’s move to shift them from unplanned settlements to permanent structures in Rwagitima market.

"We welcome the move, it is a good idea of developing our area but the district management should help us to get soft loans from banks in order to set up modern amenities,” Claude Murenzi, one of the traders told The New Times.

However, some traders said the timeframe which they were given to relocate  was not enough.

"No one opposes government’s move to create good business atmosphere by building modern commercial premises but still they should give us ample time to shift,” Jean Baptiste Karekezi, a boutique owner said.

Rwagitima market serves traders from the districts of Gatsibo, Nyagatare and Kayonza.

Gatsibo lacks a market that operates on a daily basis, apart from Rwagitima, and Kiramuruzi market which operates on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Other traders appealed for more support in order to boost their businesses.

"You see this market only operates on Wednesdays yet we have a lot of products to sell. One may not find it feasible to wait until the market days to sell her bananas,” said Emeline Maniraguha.

Ends