Traders protest market relocation

RUHANGO - Traders in Ntenyo business centre, Ruhango district have expressed discontent over the district’s plan to relocate their businesses to neighboring Kirengeri modern market. According to local authorities, the decision which was reached by the District advisory Council is set to take effect this month.  

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

RUHANGO - Traders in Ntenyo business centre, Ruhango district have expressed discontent over the district’s plan to relocate their businesses to neighboring Kirengeri modern market.

According to local authorities, the decision which was reached by the District advisory Council is set to take effect this month.  

Traders say that the relocation of the market would affect their businesses.

"The relocation will not be profitable for us. Many had acquired loans from different banks, so it will affect the repayment process,” Felicien Singirankabo, an affected trader said.  

"Our clients will now have to walk long distances to access the market”.

However, district authorities who are determined to relocate the market insist that the exercise will go according to plan.

"Traders have been used to selling their goods in open places when we have an empty modern market just a kilometre away,” said District Mayor, Celestin Twagiramukiza.

"We cannot have two markets within such close distances”. 

The Mayor added that the new one will ensure proper hygiene and sanitation within the business.

"Traders should be proud of this new move because they are now going to be more secure, their goods will be protected from adverse weather conditions like rains and heavy sunshine,” he said.

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