Govt moves to restore order at Darajani trade hub
ZANZIBAR: THE Unguja Mjini-Magharibi Regional Commissioner has called on traders operating in Darajani to strictly comply with business laws and regulations in order to maintain order and protect the city’s reputation as Zanzibar’s leading tourism and commercial hub.
Regional Commissioner Mohammed Ali Abdallah made the remarks after conducting an inspection tour of Darajani Market and Darajani Souk shops to assess business operations and compliance with government directives.
He said the government has invested significantly in creating a conducive business environment and providing essential infrastructure, stressing that it is the responsibility of traders to operate strictly within legally designated areas.
“Darajani is the main tourism and commercial centre of Zanzibar. We cannot allow violations that tarnish the image of our city. Every trader must operate within their allocated space and follow established procedures,” he said.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing business discipline, maintaining environmental cleanliness and preserving the image of Stone Town, a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site that attracts thousands of tourists annually.
He pointed to persistent challenges caused by a section of traders who disregard official directives, leading to congestion, environmental pollution and disruption of urban order within the historic trading centre.
According to him, such practices not only inconvenience customers but also threaten public safety and undermine the aesthetic and cultural value of the area, which remains central to Zanzibar’s tourism economy. However, he clarified that the purpose of the visit was not punitive but educational and corrective in nature.
“Today we came to educate and guide. We did not confiscate goods or impose penalties, but future visits will involve enforcement if directives are not followed,” he warned.
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He urged traders who have not yet been allocated official spaces to report to the Municipal offices and the Stone Town Authority to secure permits and designated areas for their businesses in line with urban planning regulations.
The Commissioner also expressed satisfaction with cleanliness standards observed in sections of the fruit, vegetable and poultry markets, while emphasising the need to maintain high hygiene levels to safeguard public health and enhance customer confidence.
Meanwhile, the Acting Director General of the Stone Town Authority, Ms Asha Ali Hassan, commended the Regional Commissioner’s visit, saying it would reinforce enforcement efforts and improve urban management within the heritage zone.
She pledged continued public education campaigns alongside stricter enforcement measures to ensure sustained compliance with regulations and preservation of the historic city’s image.
