Revitalized Zando Market in Kinshasa Set to Reopen After Five-Year Makeover
In a major boost for the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital city, Kinshasa's historic Zando market is poised to reopen its doors after a five-year hiatus. The revamped marketplace promises to be a model of sustainability and African design, with state-of-the-art facilities and a focus on local craftsmanship.A New Era for Zando Market
The market's redevelopment has been a long time coming, with the original structure dating back to 1944 under Belgian colonial rule. After being demolished and rebuilt in 1968, it was closed in January 2021 due to overcrowding, sanitation issues, and safety concerns. The new design aims to address these problems while preserving the market's cultural heritage.
A Sustainable African Design
The revamped Zando market has been designed with local people in mind, incorporating traditional African architecture and materials. Think Tank Architecture Paysage Urbanisme, a Paris-based practice, led the project, which features perforated brick facades for ventilation and shade. The use of locally produced terracotta bricks supports regional craftsmanship and economies.
A Game-Changer for Kinshasa
The new market will house 10,000 stalls, 630 shops, 40 cold rooms, 272 toilets, and 22 units for banks. It also boasts two food courts, a fire station, CCTV, high-speed wifi, and TV screens for advertising. The development has cost around £56m and was financed by a loan from SofiBanque, based in the DRC.
A Model for Sustainable Development
Tosin Oshinowo, a Nigerian architect and judge for the Holcim Foundation awards, praises the design as 'fascinating' because it has recreated a traditional African market while modernizing it. She notes that many solutions on the continent are often Western imports, but this project showcases local ingenuity and creativity.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the excitement surrounding the reopening of Zando market, there have been concerns about corruption and transparency in the development process. A report by two DRC anti-corruption organizations highlighted inconsistencies in the contract, but provincial authorities have defended the deal.
The revitalized Zando market is set to become a landmark for sustainable African design, providing a model for other cities on the continent. As it reopens its doors to over a million shoppers a day, it promises to be a vibrant and thriving hub of commerce and culture in Kinshasa.
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