The business community in Burera District has said the move by the government to offer them the opportunity to participate in the construction of a crossborder market is an investment opportunity that will generate a lot of profit.

They said this on Wednesday as the Minister for Trade and Industry Francois Kanimba unveiled the blueprint for the market the government wants to be built by the private sector at Cyanika border.

Cyanika border separates Rwanda and Uganda. 

According to Kanimba, the construction of border markets to boost cross-border trade with neighbouring countries should be undertaken by local business operators be charged with managing them. Government would only intervene when local entrepreneurs fail.

Businesspeople in Burera expressed commitment to participate in the construction of the market, which they said would be a lucrative venture.

"This is a good concept and we should all have a common understanding of it. We should do our best to implement it within a short period,” said Evariste Nizeyimana, a local businessman.

Search for partners 

"This market was much needed especially by us women. We have been engaged in illegal business which is not sustainable. We are physically and morally strong to build this market, we hope it is a source of wealth in the area in very many ways,” said Odette Muhabwazina another business woman.

The district has the Burera Investment Society which should engage in the construction but officials said they will look for other willing partners to join hands to have the market built.

The estimated cost of Burera border market is Rwf1.1billion and it will be composed of a warehouse, a big modern market, cold rooms, a three-storey building, waste collection facility and public washrooms among others.

Though businesspeople have no exact period to have the market built, the district mayor, Samuel Sembagare said the district will meet with local entrepreneurs to set a deadline to have it completed. 

"Our entrepreneurs are willing and able to build this market. The project is credible and in our interest,” he said.

"You should join hands and work as an investment group, which should be responsible for the implementation of the project. Every member should buy shares...the project is in your hands and you can modify it the way you think it will benefit you better,” said Kanimba.

The market is part of a bigger project that involves building markets in all border towns and these include Nemba in Bugesera District and Akanyaru in Nyaruguru District for trade with Burundi; Rusizi I in Rusizi District, Karongi (Karongi District), Rugari (Nyamasheke District), and Petite Barrière (Rubavu District) for trade with DR Congo.