Minister urges Kengeja traders to relocate from roadside to modern market
ZANZIBAR: ENTREPRENEURS in Kengeja, Mkoani District, have been urged to abandon unsafe roadside trading and relocate to modern markets designed to improve their working conditions and livelihoods.
The call was made by the Minister for Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, Dr Riziki Pembe Juma, after laying the foundation stone for the Kengeja Modern Market during celebrations marking the 62nd anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution.
Dr Pembe said one of the core objectives of the Revolution was to economically empower entrepreneurs by providing safe, organised and dignified trading spaces that enhance the value of their products.
“Trading along roadsides and near drainage systems is no longer acceptable. This is the time for traders to move into organised markets,” she said.
She noted that the eighth phase government has applied deliberate efforts to support entrepreneurs in upgrading their businesses and operating in safer and more respectable environments.
The minister also reminded citizens to continue safeguarding the gains of the January 12, 1964 Revolution, including self-governance, peace and the ability to plan development in line with national priorities.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Mr Mikidadi Mbarouk Mzee, said the project is primarily intended to benefit small-scale traders.
He said the market will comprise three buildings, including one with 40 stalls accommodating two traders each, five shop units, six toilet facilities and a perimeter fence.
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Once completed, the market is expected to create about 50 jobs, including security positions.
The construction began on July 8, 2025, and is scheduled for completion in March 2026 at a cost of 413.6m/-, with 242.5m/-already spent.
Meanwhile, South Pemba Regional Commissioner, Mr Rashid Hadid Rashid, said the region currently has eight modern markets, including Mtambile, Kipitacho, Machomane, Michakaini and Mbuyuni.
