Council, stakeholders intensify efforts to boost trade in Dodoma

DODOMA: DODOMA City Council has been tasked to expand zones that allow businesses to operate on a 24-hour basis to accommodate growing commercial activity.

This directive was among resolutions made during a recent Dodoma Regional Business Council meeting held in the capital city.

The meeting also directed the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) and the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) to develop both short- and long-term plans to enhance street lighting in Mbande and Kibaigwa areas, as part of efforts to improve safety and extend business hours.

In addition, all councils and the Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO) were urged to intensify public awareness campaigns on the availability of affordable loans for small and medium enterprises.

During the meeting, the Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Ms Rosemary Senyamule said the government is intensifying efforts to create a more business-friendly environment by tackling challenges faced by traders and promoting inclusive dialogue to support private sector growth.

She urged entrepreneurs to tap into the growing number of investment opportunities being promoted within the region.

“I urge you all to seize the opportunities being publicised so that you may be the first to benefit,” Ms Senyamule said.

The council further resolved that TANROADS and TARURA should prioritise improvements to road infrastructure in Zuzu, a key area targeted for investment expansion.

Councils were also directed to embrace Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) as a means to implement large-scale development projects.

To strengthen the informal sector, local authorities were advised to scale up the registration of small-scale traders to facilitate better data collection and planning.

Meanwhile, TARURA and the Dodoma Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (DUWASA) were called upon to carry out regular inspections of drainage systems, bridges, and water infrastructure to ensure timely maintenance.

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In a bid to streamline service delivery, stakeholders at the meeting resolved that all institutions offering services to business operators should be consolidated into a ‘one-stop centre’ to improve efficiency and accessibility.