Traders who operate in Nyabugogo market are not happy with the increasing number of hawkers in the bus park who have not only taken their clients but also pay less taxes.

The traders pay a monthly tax that ranges from Rwf18,000 to 20,700, depending on the location in addition to other charges, yet the hawkers pay a maximum of Rwf 15,000.

"We pay more taxes yet we meet more expenses such as rent, which make our goods more expensive,” says Clemantine Uwamariya, a trader. 

"We no longer sell because the bus park vendors are nearer to a busy area and take advantage of the travellers who use the park,” she added.

"We are even forced to close by 6:00 pm unlike our competitors who can operate until late and enjoy rush hour buyers.”

The Nyarugenge Mayor Solange Mukasonga told The New Times that the traders in the bus park will be relocated.

"We know how much those traders are a burden to their competitors in the market, and how much their business is against the laws which require all traders to operate in an organized manner,” Mukasonga said.

"In a few days, they will be relocated to other markets like Biryogo and Kimisagara because the bus terminal is strictly for buses not a market.”

On the amount of tax paid by the traders in Nyabugogo market, the mayor said that it depends on the rates agreed upon by their (traders’) associations in specific markets.

"The traders’ associations dictate different amounts taxable from market to market. The weight of the tax would be tricky to discuss because they (traders’ associations) have not yet complained about it.”

Ends