The long-awaited construction of a market in Cyanika, which borders Uganda, will begin in less than two months’ time, officials have said. Initially, the construction was to be undertaken by a Japanese company, Noguchi Holdings Ltd, but it pulled out on grounds that they would be making loses. Noguchi had pledged to construct the market at Rwf1.7 billion while the government had committed to avail land for the works. The facility was supposed to include a bonded ware-house, a parking facility and administration section, among others. The proposed market will have a customs check-point where goods will be cleared instead of going to Kigali. Following the pullout by the Japanese firm, the government committed to finance the project but it was delayed due to lack of funds, according to the Burera District mayor, Samuel Sembagare. He, however, said the issue had since been settled and the district had received the money amounting to Rwf1.3 billion that was provided by Local Administrative Entities Development Agency (LODA). ‘‘Cyanika border market construction is one of the projects to be implemented under the performance contract (Imihigo) the district signed for 2015/16 fiscal year,’’ Sembagare added. Border residents and the business community welcomed the project, saying it would not only boost business but also change the landscape of the area. Drocella Nzamwita, one of the residents, said the border market will positively impact residents of both countries as they had no common market . “I expect trade to increase between Rwandans and Ugandans once the market is complete. People from both sides will have an opportunity to trade in various products more easily,” said Nzamwita. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
