HUYE – The long awaited construction works of a modern shopping complex in Butare town finally kicked-off on Thursday, with the laying of the foundation stone by the provincial Governor, Fidele Ndayisaba.

The multi-million investment undertaken by Ingenzi Cooperative – a cooperative made up of 11 prominent business people in the district, will house a shopping complex and a modern market.

Leopold Mubera, the president of the cooperative told The New Times that it will start off with a three storeys.

"We expect to house over 800 businesses in the shopping complex and about 100 market stands on the ground floor. There is a possibility of adding a fourth floor if funds permit,” said Mubera.

The investment is partly funded by Banque Populaire, Rwf500 million while the rest of the funds have been raised by the cooperative members.

François Uhagaze, Huye District Mayor, commended the efforts of Ingenzi Cooperative, saying once completed, the complex will provide the much needed business infrastructure.

"This is a big boost to business in the district. The complex will provide decent shopping facilities and a potential source of tax revenue for the district,” he said.

Construction work of the shopping complex is expected to last 12 months.

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