Clearing of the former Ministry of Justice location, adjacent to the Kigali Convention Centre is set to start in March in readiness for the groundbreaking of the construction of a multi-billion mall dubbed Inzovu Mall. Besides the justice ministry, the former government facility also hosted the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the National Public Prosecution Authority. The New Times has learnt that the handover of the property was completed last week with the property changing hands between the government represented by Rwanda Development Board and Rwanda Housing Authority to Duval Great Lakes Ltd. Duval Great Lakes Ltd is owned by Groupe Duval, a French firm in partnership with a local businessman Vicky Murabukirwa. Murabukirwa is also the Managing Director of Duval Great Lakes Ltd. Groupe Duval, founder Eric Duval was in the country for the handover. Following the clearing, Duval said that they expect to commence construction by the end of the year. He said that the project will among other things involve local stakeholders including contractors, suppliers consequently having an impact on the local construction sector. The project is one of the beneficiaries of the ‘Manufacture and Build to Recover Programme’ which is extending tax breaks and tax credits to businesses with an aim to reduce cost of investment for new manufacturers as well as those seeking to expand existing operations. The project was initially set to commence last year but was delayed awaiting what stakeholders termed as relocation of water and electricity utilities. The mixed-use complex according to the developers will have aspects of green technology. Already the project has confirmation from tenants such as French brand Odalys City Business Apart Hotel, a global renowned hypermarket brand among others. The mall will feature a range of facilities including indoor gaming facilities, gaming arcades, a wide range of retailers, restaurants among others. When complete and operational, the mall is expected to complement the tourism experience for guests in the country. Groupe Duval also has a subsidiary in golf club management, UGolf which manages over 50 golf courses on behalf of public or private owners. UGolf has a local subsidiary UGolf Great Lakes Ltd which is involved in the management of the new Kigali Golf Club. Meanwhile during their time in the country, the Groupe Duval CEO and his delegation visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay tribute to the over 250,000 victims of the Genocide against the Tutsi who are interred there.
