Karongi: Street vendors in Rubengera market cause financial strain for legitimate traders

By The Inspirer.

Some traders operating in the Rubengera market in Karongi District have expressed concern over street vendors who refuse to pay taxes and choose to sell near the market, which causes them financial losses.

When Imvaho Nshya visited the Rubengera market, some traders explained that they were significantly affected by the street vendors who sell close by, disrupting those who pay taxes and causing them to lose business.

One trader said: “When we wake up in the morning and come to work here, we are looking to earn money to support our families and also to pay taxes for the country. If I choose to pay taxes, it’s because I want to run a proper business and not see my goods disappear or spill onto the street. The main problem we are facing is the street vendors operating on the market’s outskirts, which is causing us to lose money.”

Another trader selling fruits stated: “I’ve been working at this market for a while, but the issue with street vendors is getting worse. For instance, if a kilogram of mangoes costs 2,000 Rwandan Francs, a street vendor will sell them for 1,500 or even 1,000 right in front of the market. How can I make a profit under these conditions?”

They mentioned that the street vendors had previously faced measures, and were removed with the cooperation of DASSO (District Administration Security Support Organ), but it seems like it’s been about three months since they were last removed, and they’re now back in the area, causing harm to legitimate traders.

One trader said: “In the past, we raised this issue with the sector authorities, and they gave us DASSO officers who helped us, but now, things have gotten worse again. We are asking them to assist us once more, and perhaps advise these vendors to work together with others, as we’ve tried everything but it hasn’t worked.”

Karongi District Mayor Muzungu Gerard told Imvaho Nshya that the authorities will intensify efforts to solve the issue once and for all.

He stated: “There is a known way of doing business that benefits those who follow the proper procedures. We are going to collaborate with the relevant authorities to eliminate these street vendors, while also showing them the benefits of working together with others. We assure the traders that we are addressing this issue.”

The traders who are particularly struggling due to street vendors are those working in the Rubengera market in Karongi District.

Source: Imvaho Nshya