Get ready for a thrilling transformation! Kinshasa's iconic Central Market, a bustling hub for a million shoppers daily, is set to reopen after a five-year journey of rebirth. This story is about more than just a market; it's a testament to the power of vision and resilience.
Dieudonné Bakarani, a seasoned entrepreneur, is the driving force behind this remarkable project. His journey began with a humble vegetable stall at the very market he now aims to rejuvenate. Decades later, Bakarani is not just rebuilding a marketplace; he's crafting a landmark that will leave a lasting impact.
The new design has already garnered international acclaim, with the architects winning a prestigious award for sustainable design. Bakarani's vision is to create a market that caters to the local community, especially the women who form the backbone of this vibrant marketplace.
"I started small, bringing vegetables from Goma and selling them here. Little did I know that one day, I'd be the one giving this market a new lease of life," Bakarani shares.
The old Zando Market, inaugurated in 1944, had seen better days. Overcrowding, sanitation issues, and waste management problems plagued the market, which was attracting a million visitors daily when it closed in 2021. The closure affected thousands of vendors, sparking protests and highlighting the market's crucial role in the city's economy and culture.
"It was in dire straits," Bakarani recalls. "Unclean, overcrowded, with only nine toilets for the entire market. Working there during the day was a nightmare, especially with the scorching heat."
The new market, spread across a vast 92,000 sq. meters, promises a breath of fresh air. With perforated brick facades ensuring ventilation and shade, it feels like a cool oasis.
"We wanted to preserve the essence of the African market while modernizing it," explains Marine de la Guerrande from Think Tank Architecture Paysage Urbanisme, the firm behind the redesign. The market is constructed with concrete and locally produced terracotta bricks, supporting regional craftsmanship and economies.
The new market boasts an impressive array of features: 10,000 stalls, 630 shops, 40 cold rooms, and a significant upgrade in sanitation with 272 toilets. There are also two food courts, a fire station, high-speed wifi, and TV screens for advertising. The building is designed with accessibility in mind, and rainwater harvesting systems and landscaped courtyards aim to enhance biodiversity and fire safety.
Tosin Oshinowo, a Nigerian architect and judge for the Holcim Foundation awards, praises the design for its unique blend of tradition and modernity. "So often, solutions on the continent are western imports. This project shows that we can modernize our traditional markets while keeping their cultural significance intact."
Markets are the lifeblood of African communities, Oshinowo emphasizes. "They are not just about trade; they are woven into the fabric of our culture. These markets are economically, socially, and politically sustainable."
The project is a collaboration between city authorities and Bakarani's company, Sogema, with construction outsourced to a Chinese company under the supervision of a French engineering firm. The development has cost approximately £56 million, financed by a loan from a local bank.
Bakarani faced criticism and accusations of corruption, with concerns that the design would be too westernized. However, he stands by the project, denying any wrongdoing.
"I'm not saying there won't be challenges ahead. But at least we have the infrastructure now."
Bakarani hopes this market will serve as a model for similar projects across Africa. "It's a blueprint for sustainable development, recognized internationally. We've created something that respects the environment and enhances the local culture."
He also hopes the new market will help reshape the country's image, attracting international partners to explore the opportunities beyond the conflicts in the eastern regions.
"People here still dream, and as entrepreneurs, we are driven. Yes, we are aware of the challenges, but this is our country, and it's our duty to build it."
And there you have it - a market's transformation story that's more than meets the eye. What do you think? Could this be a model for sustainable development across Africa? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
