Mburamazi Market Expansion Project
Project Launch: 7-18-17
This project aims to provide stall vendors in Mburamazi, Rwanda a permanent site in which to conduct their business. Currently at the daily market, the vendors sit outside unsheltered on a small strip of land in the main area of town. In the rainy season, they have difficulty selling their produce because building proprietors don't like them to set up stalls under awnings where they obstruct other businesses. In the dry season, the shelf life of the fruits and vegetables is greatly decreased because of expsoure to direct sunlight. The community has come together to create a stable, more respectable place for Mburamazi's economically important stall vendors.
Project Update: 12-5-17
Much of the market expansion has been completed. The excavation, foundation of the stalls, concrete structure, and roofing are finished. Although construction is still in progress, the beneficiaries of this project have already started using the market structure, sheltering there in periods of inclement weather.
Final Report: 3-2-18
The vendors expressed their happiness not only during the construction but also during the inauguration. The market shelter helps protect them from the rain and has stopped them from bothering other storefront businesses when it rains and they need shelter. Vendors are now able to leave their produce in the shelter overnight which has the added benefit of saving them money as they rented space before. Each vendor has doubled her individual profits since the project's conclusion.