The Bujumbura City Market administration, commonly known as "kwa siyoni," announced new stall rental rates on Monday, August 28. This measure follows decisions made during a meeting it held on August 10 with representatives of vendors from all sectors of the market.

For traders, this decision violates the contract binding them to the market. "The increase in stall rental prices violates the contract signed by traders and the market administration. In this contract, it is stated that the rental price cannot be increased until after two years," said Tatien Ndimurirwo, a vendor of miscellaneous items in sector B, while denouncing that the Bujumbura City Market administration ignored the agreement.

For the market administration, this measure was taken following a new tax added to the existing tax. "The Burundian revenue office forced us to pay a tax on rental income. Previously the market did not pay this tax," said Carine Kamikazi, administrative and financial director, explaining the reason for this increase.

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To do so, she explained, we use money drawn from traders. The market has no other way to find funds for market development. "We are working together with traders to overcome this challenge," Ms. Kamikazi said.

Stall rental prices at Bujumbura City Market have increased by more than 100%. According to the new rates, stall rental fees have risen from 472,000 to 1,298,000 BIF for sector B. Added to this are the tax and fee that the trader must pay every three months to the office, and a sum of 60,000 BIF to the municipal account. The more than 100% increase in rental prices is not a solution.

"I received a letter demanding payment of 82,500 BIF when I was paying 43,150 BIF," said Éliane Akimana, a cabbage vendor at a stall in sector LG.

Bujumbura City Market has more than 1,500 stalls. This measure will be implemented at the beginning of September.

Pacifique Gahama