The Minister of Trade and Industry, Prudence Sebahizi, has called on Rubavu District leaders to prioritize proper management for Gisenyi market once it starts operating. The market’s construction works stand at 90 percent, officials said during Rubavu Investment Forum held on Friday, June 20, in Rubavu town.
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The forum organized by Rubavu District in collaboration with Rwanda Development Board (RDB) aimed at unlocking investment opportunities in the lakeside town.
"After investment, proper management follows. It&039;s not truly complete unless you have good management," Sebahizi emphasized, urging the construction company, Rubavu Investment Company (RICO), to seek management training and help establish a complete management system.
"While building the market is good, a proper management system is crucial as the final stage of the investment. We've seen mismanagement issues in various cooperatives across the country, and our ministry has considerable experience with these challenges,” added the minister.
Sebahizi also highlighted that management issues, within companies and cooperatives, often stem from cooperative members lacking proper management skills at the final stage of their investment.
"I want to send this message here and to other areas of the country," he added, noting instances where cooperative members misunderstand daily operations within companies or cooperatives.
According to Rubavu District’s Mayor, Prosper Mulindwa, construction of Gisenyi market will be completed next month.
"We hope to have all construction works of the market completed next month, ensuring traders can access the market," Mulindwa told journalists on a guided tour.
As of today, Rubavu District holds 69 per cent of its shares, with other shareholders holding 31 per cent.
Boosting tourism and infrastructure
The business forum, which convened over 150 investors and officials, also extensively discussed establishing and improving key tourism attractions in Rubavu town, including investing in infrastructure.
"Installing tourism attractions that encourage tourists to stay longer, aiming to increase business investment outside Kigali is essential," said Divine Nakanyange, the Acting Head of Investment Marketing and Facilitation Department at RDB, during a panel discussion.
"Having more sports infrastructure, including water-related facilities, is also critically needed, targeting even our neighbours [DR Congo] to benefit from them."
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Key tourism aspects requiring further investment and improvement to attract more visitors include Nengo Hill Zipline, Mount Rubavu Eco Park, and Circuit as highlighted in the forum.