KARONGI - A new modern market being constructed in Karongi town is expected to boost cross-border trade between the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) and the western region, local leaders say.

Local leaders and most residents, especially traders, are confident that the market which is strategically located to attract regular traders from the DRC, will boost the fortunes of small and medium scale traders in the region.

"We are getting ready to start carrying out cross-border trade which should be  a big boost to our businesses,” Gaspard Murekeraho, a trader said yesterday in an interview.

He added that it will help to raise the economic status of individual households hence the improvement of the social welfare of the local communities.

Yves Ningabire, the Executive Secretary of Karongi District, is convinced that by the end of next month, the market, which has been constructed in two different
phases, will be completed.

"The market is one of our major achievements and if all goes well, we expect that by the end of November, it should be ready for use,” he said.

It is estimated that upon completion, it will have cost Rwf575million.

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