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A groundbreaking ceremony has been held for the construction of commercial shops surrounding the Champs-de-Fil cemetery in N’Djamena’s 5th arrondissement, signaling the beginning of a major urban transformation project aimed at revitalizing a long-neglected area.
The event, hosted by the local municipality, was attended by key community and religious leaders, including the Vice President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. The project is part of a broader effort to reclaim and repurpose the cemetery’s surroundings, which have been plagued by urban decay and lawlessness.
Cheikh Bani Cheikh, Mayor of the 5th arrondissement, described the initiative as “a collective commitment to transform a place of memory into a space of life, safety, and prosperity.
” He lamented the current condition of the cemetery’s vicinity, citing illegal waste dumping, unchecked encroachments, neglect, and its evolution into a hotspot for criminal activity—including drug trafficking, vandalism, and illicit nighttime gatherings.
“This is a challenge we must confront,” the mayor declared. “The construction of these boutiques is not merely about commerce; it is an essential part of a broader vision—reflecting the President’s national program of ‘12 Major Projects and 100 Key Actions.’”
The plan involves much more than retail development. It includes public lighting upgrades, installation of surveillance cameras, and overall environmental improvement.
The area, long considered a security concern, will be reimagined as a vibrant hub of community and economic life.
The shops will be allocated to local artisans and small traders, encouraging grassroots economic activity and neighborhood revitalization.
Revenues generated from the businesses will be directed into the municipal budget, funding local infrastructure like schools, roads, and other development projects.
The initiative is also expected to generate new employment opportunities, particularly for youth and job seekers in the district.
“This project is about turning a dark page and writing a new chapter of hope,” the mayor concluded.
“It’s about transforming the cemetery from a blind spot into a crossroads of memory, livelihood, and dignity.”
Mariam Abdraman Mbaikla, Economic Affairs Advisor to the Government Delegate of N’Djamena and official representative at the event, echoed the mayor’s concerns.
She noted that the cemetery, which has stood for over 50 years, had deteriorated into a garbage dump and a gathering point for criminal gangs.
“This initiative is a key step in the comprehensive development of the 5th arrondissement,” she emphasized.
