PM assures nationwide markets upgrade

ARUSHA: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has assured that plans are underway to upgrade all markets under district councils in the next financial year to enable traders to conduct their businesses in a more conducive environment.

Dr Nchemba said the move forms part of the government’s broader agenda to ensure citizens’ wellbeing aligns with the country’s middle-income economy aspirations.

Speaking yesterday during the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Kilombero Market Project in Arusha, the Prime Minister noted that President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has already directed an additional five per cent allocation on top of the existing 10 per cent set aside by district councils to support youth, women and people with disabilities economically.

He explained that part of the additional five per cent will finance the renovation of existing markets and the construction of new ones for petty traders to operate in clean and organised environments that guarantee better returns.

“This also applies to all cities. We do not expect to see people conducting business in dirty and unplanned areas,” he said.

In a related development, Dr Nchemba expressed satisfaction with the implementation of various development projects in the region, saying they reflect value for money and adherence to agreed standards.

Earlier, he inspected the ongoing construction of the Bondeni City Bus Terminal in Muriet Ward, where he called for timely completion of the project.

The 14.3bn/- project, whose implementation began on May 30, 2025, has so far reached 70.9 per cent completion and is expected to be finalised on May 30 this year.

However, the Prime Minister emphasised that the project was behind schedule and instructed responsible authorities to prepare updated timelines to ensure it is completed on time.

“Ensure that the revised time projections are completed, as the construction of this bus terminal is behind schedule. In addition, this region should establish infrastructure for gas-powered vehicles,” he said.

Dr Nchemba also underscored the need for Arusha Region to introduce gas powered vehicles alongside Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations to improve public transport services as the city continues to expand.

He further directed that the Mbuguni–KIA road and the Bondeni City road leading to the AFCON stadium be upgraded to tarmac level.

The Prime Minister called for engagement with the private sector and financial institutions to secure funding for environmental initiatives, including investment in gas-powered vehicles and modern BRT buses to reduce environmental impact.

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“As Arusha grows, gas powered vehicles and BRT stations are essential for strengthening the transport system. Areas earmarked for future urban expansion must also be protected,” he insisted.

For his part, Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Mr Paul Makonda, who is also Arusha Town Member of Parliament, thanked the President for allocating substantial funds for various development projects, assuring residents of continued transformation.

He said Arusha City has a total of 54 projects underway, including a special stadium with a capacity of 10,000 people and a physical fitness pitch, in addition to the construction of a new stadium ahead of the 2027 AFCON tournament.

Other projects include hospitals and major roads such as the 9.1-kilometre Kolombero–Kisongo Road and the Mbauda–Bondeni road, which will be expanded into four lanes, with implementation scheduled this year.

Mr Makonda also commended the Prime Minister for advocating the adoption of electric and gas-powered BRT systems in Arusha, noting that a modern transport network would further elevate the region’s status as headquarters of the East African Community (EAC).

Arusha City Director, Mr John Kayombo, said the Arusha Main Bus Terminal project is being implemented by M/s Mohamedi Builders Limited, a Tanzanian-owned company headquartered in Dar es Salaam.

The project, valued at 14.3bn/-, is supervised by Mhandisi Consultancy Ltd in collaboration with GBS Consultant Ltd.

Mr Kayombo said the project commenced on May 30, 2025, and is scheduled for completion on May 30, 2026. So far, 70.96 per cent of the project time has elapsed, while the contractor’s actual work progress stands at 55.86 per cent, placing it 14.15 per cent behind schedule.

He noted that completed works include foundation construction, structural columns, first-floor slab preparations and installations of electricity, water systems, sound equipment and CCTV cameras.

Landscaping has also commenced to help recover lost time. Meanwhile, Arusha Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla thanked the government for funding the construction of the terminal, noting that the project had previously been subject to intense political debate before reaching its current stage of progress.