Up to 194 former street vendors who were given space to work at the now-demolished Gisozi market have been moved to Duhahirane market in Gisozi sector, Gasabo District, according to the City of Kigali. This action was taken following the demolition of the Gisozi market in 2022 due to “its pollution impact on the neighbouring wetland”, as outlined by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA). ALSO READ: Part of Gisozi business centre to be demolished over pollution “We relocated 194 ex-street vendors to their designated place at the Duhahirane market. The rent was paid for them in these new markets and they were provided with capital loans through the VUP financial services programme,” said Martine Urujeni, Vice Mayor of the City of Kigali. In addressing the challenges faced by former street traders, Urujeni explained that efforts have been made to increase loans for ex-street vendors through the Vision Umurenge Programme (VUP) and provide space for the beneficiaries to work in new markets. She added that the City of Kigali Council has taken several measures that include penalising traffickers and those involved in illegal trading, enhancing cooperation between government, private entities, and NGOs, as well as implementing regulations to govern small markets. ALSO READ: How City of Kigali nipped ‘street vendor menace’ in the bud Challenges persist though, as some street vendors exhibit reluctance to participate in the markets they have been placed in. Urujeni said the City of Kigali is actively addressing the challenge through continuous campaigns and outreach programmes. The City Council Regulation enacted on December 2, 2022, aims to prevent illegal trading and regulate the operation of small markets in the city. Following the regulation, three markets have been set up across Gasabo, Kicukiro, and Nyarugenge districts, providing 4,199 slots for former street vendors, according to the City of Kigali. Urujeni added that as they move forward, the city seeks to empower former street vendors to integrate into development programmes, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for each one of them. Chantal Uwamariya, a former street vendor now stationed at Duhahirane market, expressed her satisfaction with the transition, highlighting the move's positive impact on her business and the improved safety at the new location. “Operating at Duhahirane market has allowed me to reach more customers compared to street vending, the increased foot traffic in the market has significantly boosted my sales and helped me expand my customer base,” she explained. Uwamariya also addressed the financial aspect of the transition, noting that vendors pay an interest of Rwf1,500 on the Rwf 70,000 loan provided to them, which has been a valuable resource in ensuring a smooth transition and enhancing the business operations in the new market. “This financial assistance has been instrumental in helping us set up our stalls and cover initial expenses, which we are required to pay back through our cooperatives,” she said.
