East African Business Week (Kampala)
Walter Isenged
29 November 2008
Bujumbura, Burundi — Following the recent peace initiatives in Burundi, the investment climate has become more appealing and this has seen an increase in investment by local entrepreneurs.
There is a large increase in building projects and the emergence of a whole new suburb populated entirely by new houses. The new 'quartier' (French for area) also boasts of a new road, expanded electricity and water supply and a whole new feeling of novelty.
Not to be outdone, the city centre is also being given a facelift. Several new buildings have come up. Now that the roads are being fixed, it is a sure thing that more are on the way.
In tandem with most urban centers in East Africa, Bujumbura is also seeing the emergence of a new type of building complex, the mall. 'Quartier' Asiatic used to be the quasi-small scale wholesale zone populated by the ubiquitous 'Qincallerie' or hardware store. It is called 'Quartier Asiatic' because of the proliferation of stores manned mainly by persons originating mainly from the orient, but who have settled for decades in Burundi. This dust blown quarter, also benefiting from the new road building initiative, is experiencing a new facelift.
In an area once notorious for clutter, a Burindian businessman has constructed a neat single story shopping mall and called it 'Coeur d'Afrique' or Heart of Africa, a statement meant to emphasize the heart like shape of the country. In just under six months since inauguration, the mall now has full occupancy with such chic places as boutiques, a coffee shop, internet café, an aerobics hall and a fully loaded spa that boasts of a modern massage parlour. Last month, a jeweler also set up shop in the complex to give the final shine to the already impressive mall.
Just opposite, a series of double storied office apartments is being set up to complement the already bustling street.
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