Roadside traders relocation boosts Mwanza main market

MWANZA: BUSINESS activity at Mwanza Main Market has started to improve following the relocation of small-scale traders from roadsides and other informal trading areas into the market in Pamba Ward.

Acting Market Manager Amos Samwel said the move has created a safer and more organised trading environment, while attracting more customers.

“This move has started bringing changes to the market because traders are now operating in a safe environment, while customers can access services in one place,” Mr Samwel said during an exclusive interview in Mwanza yesterday.

He said relocating traders from informal areas had strengthened the management of commercial activities, as traders now operate in a recognised area supervised by the relevant authorities. Mr Samwel said traders were also benefiting from services available within the market, while customers could shop in an area specifically designated for commercial activities.

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“The increase in traders inside the market has contributed to more commercial activity, and we are seeing more customers coming to buy different goods,” he said.

Traders welcomed the relocation, saying it has improved both business conditions and customer traffic. Ms Annastazia Wambura, a trader, said traders who previously operated in informal areas faced numerous challenges but now had a designated place where they could conduct business peacefully.

“After moving into the market, customer traffic has started to improve, and that gives us hope that our businesses will continue to grow,” she said.

Another trader, Mr Wanzoki Nyamkira, thanked the government for educating traders before relocating them, saying the approach had benefited both vendors and the market.

“Removing traders from the roadsides has helped the market operate better, and customers are increasing in number,” he said.

Meanwhile, trader Mr Godfrey Orutu urged the government to allow daladala travelling from the airport to Pasiansi to drop passengers at Mwanza Main Market.

He said establishing a designated stop near the market would make it easier for customers to reach the market and could further boost business activity.