Written by: Badr Ahmed

After years of suffering amidst chaos and poor services, fruit and vegetable vendors in Abidjan's Attécoubé district are beginning to regain hope with the opening of the new Dominique Ouattara market, one of the most prominent modern projects aimed at developing the food trade in the economic capital.Ivory Coast.

The new market is located on the axis linking the Adjami and Yugoboun neighborhoods, adjacent to the Banco forest, where it has become a modern model for organized markets, after traders previously worked in conditions described as random and unhealthy.

A new market is changing the face of food trade in Côte d'Ivoire.

The project is part of the urban expansion plan for the Greater Abidjan area, through which the authorities seek to improve infrastructure and provide a more suitable working environment for traders and workers in the vital sector.

Traders lived in a state of extreme anxiety more than a year ago, following the authorities' announcement of the evacuation of the old market, which had become unable to keep pace with the city's urban expansion. Many vendors feared losing their only source of income, while others anticipated the complete end of their businesses.

Safia Ouattara, a fruit trader who works in the market, says: “We were very worried when the authorities announced the removal of the old site, but today we feel very relieved after moving to this modern market.” .

The new market is characterized by its extensive organization, spacious corridors, and better-prepared sales areas, after the disappearance of the random wooden stalls and goods displayed on the ground.

Modern metal structures also provided effective protection for vendors from rain and harsh weather conditions, a problem that previously caused damage to large quantities of products.

Market officials confirm that the project has contributed to improving commercial activity and increasing the number of customers, thanks to the ease of movement within the market and improved hygiene and safety conditions.

Modern facilities have also been added, including sewage systems, toilets, and designated areas for stopping, loading and unloading, as well as security equipment and better waste management.

Despite the widespread welcome for the project, traders are still demanding the establishment of additional warehouses to store fruits and vegetables, especially with the increasing number of vendors and the limited space of some existing areas.

Dominique Ouattara's market is seen as an important step towards modernizing the food trade in Abidjan, and a symbol of an urban transformation that seeks to provide a more organized and sustainable economic environment in Côte d'Ivoire.