From this Monday 17 August, the markets of Nyarugenge and Chez Mutangana in Nyabugogo are closed for a period of 7 days. The measure has just been taken by the Mayor of the City of Kigali.
Following new positive cases of covid-19 in Nyarugenge district, particularly in Nyabugogo, Chez Mutangana and Nyarugenge markets, the Mayor of the City of Pudence Rubingisa has decided to close the two markets from 17 to 24 August. Shops located around these markets are also affected by the measure.
On 16 August, the new positive cases amount to 101 of which 80 are in the City of Kigali. On 15 August, 59 of them were all from Kigali and on 14 August, covid-19 tests had revealed 93 positive cases, 80 of them from Kigali.
According to the Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Ngamije, the results of the covid-19 tests organised in the last few days have given positive results, most of which are from the market of Nyarugenge and Nyabugogo, at Mutangana.
“These markets have never been in containment but they are now showing positive results from the covid-19 tests,” said Minister Dr Ngamije. “This is proof that there is a slackening in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus,” he said.
“Containment is a serious measure,” he said. “We will continue testing covid-19 in other markets in Kigali. Based on the analysis of the results, we will take appropriate measures,” he said.
The communiqué of the Mayor of the City has just specified to the merchants of Chez Mutangana that the Nyarugenge district will announce the new place designated for the sale of food products.
The Ministry of Local Administration had already considered decongesting these two markets in the City of Kigali. “We have initiated discussions to transfer the sale of some food products, such as vegetables, to the entrance of the city,” said the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Local Administration, Ignacienne Nyirarukundo.
Regarding the relaxation in the respect of preventive measures against the coronavirus, Secretary of State Nyirarukundo does not exclude the taking of sanctions against recalcitrant people.
Gérard Rugambwa
