Renovation of the international market of Dantokpa : Yes, most…

For the first time the idea was stirred, many brushed it aside seeing it as a utopia. But little by little, media release after media release and the project is confirmed. The Minister for the Living Environment and Sustainable Development hammered it again during a broadcast. Although reluctantly accepted, the renovation of the Dantokpa international market seems to be understood by many users. However, traders hope, just, full transparency in the resettlement process in new markets.

The Dantokpa international market will change very soon. More than a makeover, it is a fundamental transformation that one of the largest commercial centers in West Africa will experience. Grand, not only, par sa surface (environs 25 hectares) but also great by the flow of numerous exchanges which take place there. It is this last detail which is at the origin of the decision taken by the executive led by Patrice Talon 2016. This announcement made and repeated by the government of the rupture aims to reduce this high place of commerce where retail mixes with wholesale and super. It is said that Dantokpa in its current state does not honor the economic capital of Benin. “And it had become a real black spot in the heart of the city of Cotonou. A critical point from an environmental point of view, which we had to tackle at all costs” laments Minister José Tonato.

Unsanitary conditions

Yes! There’s a real mess going down the Martin Luther King Bridge, coming from Akpakpa. What could be more abnormal for a market, Furthermore, international of this ilk. It has more than 35.000 tradespeople. Only that spice or vegetable stalls can happily rub shoulders with shops selling jewelry or high-end fabrics. Added to this is unsanitary conditions. It is almost impossible to breathe while walking along the open gutter or crossing the former car park in the evenings. Urine or rotting odors can cause you to suffocate. Beyond, the location of the market and the people it drains create huge traffic jams every day.

Agree and disagree….

Without denying the merits of this desired reform, many wonder if this is the best option. Races, that's the right term. Shaving because reducing means reducing. But here, there is talk of bringing Dantokpa back to a (01) hectare of surface. The Dantokpa market is a century old, that is to say 100 years of existence with all its load of history and myths whisper many users. Under the main market building (Singboglouè) jewelry sellers and others say they are informed but say they do not really understand this desire of the head of state. “What hurts us a little is the total dismemberment of our market. There’s a whole story behind it and now we’ve announced that it will be reduced to almost nothing,” complains a seller from the Dantokpa market.. For a fish seller “It’s already an ordeal that we are experiencing since the breakage began on the lagoon bank. To be honest, no one basically agrees, but we take it like this,” she says., resigned. A motorcycle taxi driver is still wondering about the appropriateness of the project. Her concern was answered by Lady Aimée Ahouissou. “I had the chance to go outside and see how it’s done. In self-respecting countries, each market is intended for a type of product. There is no mixture as is observed with us in Dantokpa,” she informs.. The delegate of women from the Dantokpa market is therefore not against “If it is in the development dynamic of Benin, I’m up for it” says Aimée Ahouissou before continuing “Since 2018 the head of state invited us to a meeting at the Palace to inform us of his intention. Afterwards we had other meetings with the managers of the Autonomous Market Management Company (Sogeme) and consultants. The project was explained to us,” adds the president of the Group of Women and Market Artisans. (Gfam). It is not redundant to recall that the market serves Nigeria with all its demographics. Dislocate it, because it is said that the bulk would now go somewhere in the commune of Calavi and other sectors will go elsewhere. What will remain of the economic exchanges that took place there? Commercial landmarks and connections with the sub-region? Just questions from many citizens.

Resettlement, the other issue

According to information, sellers of cosmetics and beauty items or outlets (jewelry, sacs etc…) will be relocated to the shopping mall which will be built at the General Friendship Stadium Mathieu Kérékou e Kouhounou. Akassato, in the commune of Abomey Calavi will house the wholesale market and other types of commerce will be distributed in the new urban and regional markets built by the government. Yes a priori, things are clear regarding the distribution of the different sectors and types of products according to their nature the big concern of market traders and in particular that of the members of the Gfam is the occupation of the new shops. They fear that resellers, these rights holders, listed in Dantokpa are replaced by others. “These must be the ones who are really concerned, who already had places trading in Dantokpa which were relocated to the new markets. We call on those in power to ensure this and we are available. We know who is in the market. If it is true that Sogéma has its register, on our side, we are organizing ourselves to carry out a census in our different sectors to facilitate resettlements” said Aimée Ahouissou, president of the Group of women and market artisans (Gfam).

Arnaud ACAKPO (Coll)