Kariakoo Market marks Customer Service Week with rent relief to traders

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Kariakoo Market Corporation has officially launched its 2025 Customer Service Week with a strong commitment to supporting traders, announcing a two-month rent waiver for shop owners whose premises were destroyed in a previous fire incident.

Speaking at the launch event held today in Dar es Salaam, Ashiraf Abdulkarim, the market’s Manager of Planning, said the week is dedicated to strengthening services and rebuilding trust with traders by ensuring they return to business safely and smoothly.

“We’ve issued a two-month rent exemption for traders who lost their goods in the fire. This week also aims to listen to their challenges and act on them promptly,” said Abdulkarim.

He added that preparations for the traders to receive new shop spaces have been finalized, and affected businesses are allowed to begin reconstruction during the rent-free period.

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To enhance the market environment, Abdulkarim noted that over 400 parking spaces have been set up to reduce congestion and improve the flow of commerce.

On his part, Omary Yusuf Yenga, Chairperson of the Dar es Salaam Business Community, described the launch of the new Kariakoo market as the beginning of a commercial revolution both within and beyond Tanzania.

“Business cannot thrive without a proper market. We are grateful for having a modern market with strong infrastructure and reliable security. This will boost the country’s economic growth,” said Yenga.

He also praised efforts to empower traders through leadership seminars, stating that the training would improve efficiency and productivity.

Severine Mushi, Chairperson of Kariakoo Traders, announced that official leadership offices will now be located inside the market, a move aimed at increasing accountability and enhancing customer service.

“We aim to grow the national economy through this market. In light of the recent challenges, we propose to resume rent payments starting in January to allow traders time to recover,” Mushi added.

Steven Lusinde, Chairperson of the Informal Traders Association (Wamachinga), pledged close collaboration with the Kariakoo Market Corporation to ensure customers receive quality services.

In closing, Happy Njovu, Manager of the Kisutu Market, commended Kariakoo’s leadership for their dedication to improving the business environment.

“We appreciate this beautiful market. The Customer Service Week shows Kariakoo’s genuine commitment to enhancing trade and the well-being of its traders,” said Njovu.