The new Nyarugenge Market Complex: a swanky place to do your shopping

If someone dropped you right in front of the Nyarugenge City Market located on the Nyarugenge Market Complex and asked you what it was, you would probably say it was a supermarket. Only a decade back, this spotless building was an old, foul smelling shopping area. The bathrooms were horrible and the shopping experience wasn’t anything to write home about. Today, the shopping here is a pleasant experience for the customer.The complex, which cost an estimated Rwf9bn, is owned and managed by the Kigali Investment Company, a consortium of Rwandan businessmen.The Mayor of Nyarugenge District, Mukansonga Solange, who welcomes the investment, says there is more to come regarding such developments.“We are still in negotiations concerning the planning of markets and busy commercial streets commonly known as Quartier Commerciale. This will involve demolition of buildings to pave way for development,” Mukansonga said.Justine Mukangabo, who worked at both the old and new Nyarugenge markets, says there is no comparison between the two. “This market is getting us customers of all classes because its level of hygiene and organisation is much better than any other markets in Kigali. Each stall has space for buyers to freely interact with the sellers,” Mukangabo says.She also added that the security in the new market is exceptional and makes the buyers and sellers feel safe.Alex Kagabo, who sells irish potatoes and bananas, says the demand from customers is good and he encourages his fellow sellers to sell quality products.“As buyers we also have to do our part and sell the best; this market has been talked about as the best in the city and we must do our part to make sure we live up to those high standards,” Kagabo said.While the vendors are rightly proud of their new market, customers have also fallen in love with the new market complex. Josian Maridadi, one of the thousands of customers who throng the market, says it is strategically located for customers.“Whenever I want to do general shopping this is the right place to come. I can get food and other products because the building has shops, supermarkets and food market,” Maridadi says.She also commended the market and said it’s a truly, modern market representing the progress that the country has made.Of course not everything is smooth sailing. Much as the Nyarugenge Market has almost got it all, some vendors still have a few gripes.Rose Kamali sells cooking products ranging from cooking oil to salt. She complains that the biggest problem market vendors’ face is the rent they have to pay for their space. “It’s quite a lot compared to the old market. I think that is what is stopping some market vendors from coming here”. She hastened to add that although the rent is high, payment is easier because they are given three months to look for the money.Petero Uzagirinka, a fruit and vegetable seller, says people have the wrong perception of the new market and this is reducing their customers.“People think because this was made a modern market our goods are unaffordable. Because of this they still prefer to go to older markets but this is not the case; our goods are the same price as others,” he said.The Nyarugenge Market is a great example of the development that is transforming the face of modern Kigali City. With more and more such developments enveloping the city, shopping will become a pleasurable experience for everyone, both customers and vendors alike.

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The new Nyarugenge Market Complex: a swanky place to do your shopping