New markets usher in new era for Dar traders

•  BUILDING PROSPEROUS TANZANIA

GOVERNMENT’S determination towards creating conducive   environment for traders in Dar es Salaam region is on the right track following completion of various market construction projects while others are on final stages.

Currently the region has a total of 16 markets whose construction aims at enabling traders to conduct their businesses in a safe and orderly manner.

The projects have been allocated with a budget of 85.36bn/- meant to beautify the outlook of the region and simplify businesses for city dwellers.

For instance, the construction and renovation of the city centre’s Kariakoo market, which has been allocated with a budget of 28bn/-, is now at 40 per cent completion and is expected to complete in October next year.

The project has so far created over 200 direct and indirect jobs,   supporting the economic wellbeing of those who are working for the project and others surrounding the site.

Execution of this infrastructure is in line with implementation of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM)’s 2020-25 Election Manifesto which focuses on ensuring vibrant business sector to further contribute to the national income.

The ruling party also pledged to continue improving business environment for the development of the economy and the people in general.

The manifesto also insists on provision of quality infrastructure and enabling services such as markets, transportation, efficiency and certainty of doing business and other economic activities in the private sector.

Speaking on the Kariakoo market, project Engineer Justine Lukaza said the project has brought the multiplier economic benefits to the number of city residents, expressing the determination to ensure the timely completion of ongoing works for greater interest of the country.

“A lot of people have so far benefited from the project, we have empowered suppliers of building materials, food vendors and daily workers (casual labourers). These are some of the multiplier effects that have been brought about by the project execution,” he said.

He said they have been using building materials that are manufactured within the country as part of efforts to support local manufacturers.

Upon completion, the market is expected to host 3,000 traders, up from 1,660 that were served previously.

Expounding, Eng Lukaza said there will be conducive environment for traders who will be working in the market, as the government works hard to minimise challenges facing traders in the commercial city.

The main features of the market, which is under construction, include shops for various goods services and products, banks and infrastructure for other service provision that were missing in the former structure.

Project contractor, Johnson Nyamwelu commended the government for the decision to rebuild the Kariakoo market so that the new structure can meet public demand.

“We, as contractors, support the government in undertaking this project that will be accomplished in 2023,” he said, expressing determination to work within the given timeframe.

For her part, one of the traders, Nyamwelu Kiria, thanked the government for undertaking the project which will change the outlook of Dar es Salaam.

“I can see how Kariakoo will change and become like Dubai where business is done 24 hours a day. I am pleased with the government’s decision to build and rehabilitate this market. She said.

Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner (RC), Amos Makalla said plans are underway to change the outlook of the city through construction of mega projects that facilitate businesses.

“It is obvious that the Kariakoo area and its streets should be improved by installing lights and cameras so that businesses can be done 24 hours a day, a measure that will create more opportunities.”

Apart from the Kariakoo market, another one is the 14.5bn/- Kisutu Market which is also found in the city centre.

The facility has enough space to accommodate 1,065 traders.

Dar es Salaam Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Rehema Madenge said six other markets have been completed and others are under construction.

A list of the markets that have been completed with their value in brackets are Kilakala (317.3m/-) Kijichi (2.1bn/-) Kijichi Mall (1.7bn/-) Makangarawe (1.9bn/-), Mtoni (2.9bn/-) Mbagala Kuu (1.3bn/-) and Zakhem (2.2bn/-).

“Market projects in Temeke District have created employment opportunities for people from within and outside the municipality.

“Five of those markets have been completed where the Mtoni Market is in the final stage of completion. Upon completion it will have 190 business stalls and 53 shops,” added Ms Madenge.

She explained further that in Kinondoni  Municipality there are three markets including the Bwawani, Magomeni and Tandale  that are worth 9.6bn/-, 10.2bn/- and 1bn/-, respectively.

In Kigamboni Municipality, the government has issued 6.8bn/- for the construction of Kibada Market that is at 99 per cent towards completion.

The government has completed construction of the Buyuni Market at a cost of 151.9m/- while the Gezaulole Market that is being constructed at the cost of 100m/- is still under construction.

Tabling the national budget for the current fiscal year, Finance and Planning Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba said that the government will continue to identify, allocate, supervise, protect and enable petty traders (Machingas) as one of the key drivers of economic growth.

“The government is doing all these efforts to implement President Samia’s intention to improve business environment,” said Dr Nchemba.

The President has pledged 10m/- for each region for improving and strengthening petty traders’ activities including construction of their offices.

Dr Nchemba also commended the allocation of 10 per cent of Local Government Authorities (LGAs) own sources, out of which 5 per cent is for transport infrastructure and markets for petty traders, 2 per cent for youths, 2 per cent for women and 1 per cent for the disabled.