East African Business Week (Kampala)
3 March 2008
Bujumbura — A new market place called Buyenzi City Market has been built by Mr Siyoni Nikobiri, a local entrepreneur here who also operates it.
Buyenzi City Market is a one-stop shop which boasts of a range of items like midget fish to car parts. The need for the market place was borne out of a desire to fill in an existing gap.
In October 2006 government upgraded the existing Buyenzi market and Nikobiri, who also owns the prestigious Sun Safari Hotel bid to build a market in Buyenzi industrial area. He took the large vacant plot, walled it up, built stalls, connected piped water and electricity and turned it into a businessman's delight.
The market boasts of all modern amenities including a bank, a filling station, full security comprising the police and the army, electricity, water. The market is sectionalised to make it easy for shoppers to find their way round. There are sections for electronics, utensils, electrical appliances and utilities, fruits, dry foods, fresh foods, fish, brand new and second hand shoes and clothes, construction materials, workshops, restaurants, restrooms, washrooms, etc.
Speaking to East African Business Week, Mrs. Audrey Mugisha Nikobiri, the wife of the proprietor, said the main market was the most popular with shoppers because of its proximity to transport, but it has became overcrowded and prompted government to open up two other markets, one in Buyenzi to handle the overflow and the other in Kinindo.
Mrs Nikobiri said, "We offer better rent and besides, we have built a superior market to cater for clients dealing in a range of items including bulk items like construction materials. This cannot be found in any other local market."
"We get many clients, mainly from Congo DRC. These are serious businessmen who do not hesitate to make a full payment once they are satisfied with the quality of what is on offer," she said.
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