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By Annonciata Byukusenge
This is the testimony of traders in Ngoma District who received modern market facilities built through the Rusumo Hydropower Project, implemented by the NELSAP. They affirm that their economic well-being has improved, thanks to the larger and better-equipped spaces that have allowed them to expand their businesses.
The Regional Rusumo Falls Hydro Electric Project (RRFHEP) implemented by the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Program (NELSAP) is to benefit the three neighboring countries of Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi at the border of Rusumo in the eastern part of Rwanda, the western part of Tanzania, and northern part of Burundi.
Léandre Uwineza is one of the traders who previously incurred losses due to operating in old, cramped buildings of the Sake market.
He said, “On April 23, 2024, heavy rain fell, and water flooded my shop, damaging my goods. I lost merchandise worth 200,000 Rwandan Francs. I’m confident I won’t face such losses again because the underlying issue has been permanently resolved.”
Jean de Dieu Fungaroho is among the traders operating in the new Sake market building constructed by NELSAP. He explains how difficult it was to run a business before the introduction of the new infrastructure.
“Before NELSAP built this market for us, we used to trade in small, old shacks. Some even operated from makeshift structures covered with iron sheets due to a lack of proper working space. Now, we run our businesses comfortably in a spacious and decent facility, and we’ve also expanded our business.”
He added that in the past, they couldn’t trade all year round because weather conditions forced them to close their shops.
“I sell auto parts and replacement components. During the rainy season, I couldn’t operate because water would flood the shop and damage some products, causing mold or breakage from improper stacking while trying to keep them dry. Aside from water entering the shop, the roofs leaked, so we’d be soaked even while indoors.”
The Sake center hasn’t only benefited from this long building, but another large market was constructed for trading food, livestock, and clothing.
Karisa, one of the vendors in the new market, said:
“Before NELSAP built this market, I used to travel to sell goods in the Kibungo market at a distance of 15 km. It was exhausting, especially during the rainy season when the long travel and exposure to rain would damage my goods before I even arrived. Now, we trade in a covered and secure place year-round. Even if we run out of stock, the remaining goods are safely stored in the new market building, unlike before when we had to carry them around.”
He added that his monthly income has increased, not just because of expanded business but also due to better infrastructure.
“Before we had a proper market, I earned about 250,000 Rwandan Francs per month. Now that I’ve expanded my inventory and operate in a more attractive place, I’ve gained more customers and now earn around 400,000 Rwandan Francs monthly.”
Uwanyirigira, who sells vegetables and fruits in the Kazo Market built by NELSAP, said the project was especially beneficial to women traders who previously sold along the streets and lacked safe trading areas.
She said, “My colleagues and I used to sell on the streets because there was no market. It was a tough life. Street vending is illegal, so we were constantly hiding from law enforcement. When they caught us, they would confiscate our goods and fine us for illegal trade.”
She added that things have now changed significantly. They trade in a roofed and secure market, and their merchandise is safe.
“We used to suffer losses from theft and product damage during the rain or dry season. Vegetables and fruits need cool, moist environments, but we were selling them in direct sunlight. This discouraged customers and often forced us to throw away spoiled goods. Now we sell everything, and even leftovers can be stored and sold the next day.”
Beyond the improved safety of their goods, Uwanyirigira also reported a rise in her monthly earnings.
“I used to make about 50,000 Rwandan Francs per month. Now I earn about 90,000 Rwandan Francs monthly.”
Mr. Celestin Mutabazi, in charge of Infrastructure and Natural Resources in the Ngoma district. During an interview with Forefront Magazine, said that the infrastructure, including the market in Sake and Kazo sectors, was built in partnership with their partner NELSAP, which is implementing the Regional Rusumo Falls Hydro Electric Project (RRFHEP).
“The priority was the markets and water, because our district is the one in the Eastern Province that was faced with water issues, but two years ago, those problems were resolved. Our people have clean water near their homes, and their livestock has improved. For the economy, the business expanded, because they have a comfortable place in the markets.”
He added that the infrastructure they have already achieved is worth five million and eighty-three thousand US dollars (5,83000.000 USD).
The infrastructure supported by NELSAP is a market in the Sake sector and Kazo, a 28 km Water Pipe, which supplies water to the two villages of Gahima and Gatonde in Kibungo sector, comprising 10,500 households.
A 53-mile (53 km) water pipe has been built in the Rukira area, connecting Gasoko and Murama, providing water to 23,000 households. 2023.
Rusumo Project established the $15M Local Area Development Plan to enhance regional social and economic development in Busoni and Giteranyi Communes, Ngara District, and Kirehe and Ngoma Districts. Each district identified priority investments: access to water and roads, schools, and health centers.
It will provide 80 MW of electricity to the people of these countries.
These countries are also part of the 11 countries of the Nile Basin.
