A rwf650 million modern market has been inaugurated in Rebero centre, Gashirira cell, Ruvune sector in Gicumbi District.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the market last week, François Kanimba, the Minister for Trade and Industry, urged the residents to take advantage of the market to start business ventures as well as increase crop production to serve the market.

"Now that you have this market here, don’t let it lie idle, use it maximally to increase earnings and improve your household incomes.

"It would be better if it is run as a daily market so that buyers can access goods whenever they want,” Kanimba said.

"Besides, we expect to recover the money used in constructing the market through taxes, which will also help us establish more infrastructure facilities in the future.”

The launch of the market coincided with an electrification project in the region worth Rwf1.8 billion.

Alexandre Mvuyekure, the Gicumbi District mayor, urged residents to take advantage of the market to boost their incomes.

"The government has spent a lot of money on this facility so that you can enhance your welfare,” Mvuyekure said during the launch event.

Jeane d’Arc Kubwimana, who sells clothes, said the market will help her expand the business since she will get more space in a conducive environment.

"I was not using all my funds as I had nowhere to spread my clothes. Now that we have a modern market, it is time for me to invest money in the business,” she said.

Justin Semuhoza, a resident of Rebero centre, said the market will boost trade with neighbouring sectors and beyond.

He said they had a small market previously, which was neither covered nor paved.

"Market goers and traders used to come from as far as neighbouring Uganda, Gatsibo and Nyagatare… now that we have a better facility, I hope we will get more which will strengthen our trade co-operation with them and boost our revenue,” Semuhoza told The New Times on the sidelines of the launch.

business@newtimes.co.rw