WMA pushes for standard measurements in public

DODOMA: THE Weights and Measures Agency (WMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying inspections on the use of standard measurements in production areas, warehouses and markets as part of efforts to promote a competitive and inclusive economy.

Speaking in Dodoma yesterday during the handover of verified weighing scales to traders at Majengo Main Market, Dodoma Regional WMA Manager, Saidi Ibrahimu, said proper measurements remain essential in achieving the country’s Development Vision 2050.

The event was part of activities marking World Metrology Day, observed annually on May 20.

Mr Ibrahimu said one of the key pillars of Vision 2050 is building a strong, inclusive and competitive economy, noting that such a goal cannot be realised if traders continue using non-standard measurements.

“We cannot achieve Vision 2050 while some traders continue selling products using tins, improvised containers or estimated quantities instead of verified measurements,” he said.

He noted that a trader who buys a 100-kilogram sack of ginger and later sells it in piles or estimates cannot accurately determine profit margins.

“A competitive economy will remain difficult to achieve under such practices,” he added. Mr Ibrahimu urged traders and wananchi in markets and production areas to embrace the use of standard weighing equipment and ensure their scales are regularly inspected and certified by the agency.

Mr Ibrahimu noted that WMA would continue conducting surprise inspections in markets, warehouses and production areas to ensure compliance with measurement standards.

He warned that failure to use verified measurements exposes both traders and consumers to losses, saying dishonest practices deny customers the right quantity of goods while also affecting business profitability.

According to him, traders found using unverified or fraudulent weighing equipment risk a fine of up to 20m/- or imprisonment of not less than two years, or both.

Meanwhile, Vice-Chairperson of the Majengo Market Traders’ Association, Fred Segamang’ombe, commended WMA for providing weighing scales to women traders, saying the move would improve efficiency and profitability in their businesses.

He said many traders in the market have been relying on improvised containers and estimations when selling products, resulting in losses and mistrust from customers.

“Most traders buy products that are measured accurately at wholesale level, but when reselling they use tins, bags or piles without proper measurements. At the end of the day they incur losses and even fall into debt,” he said.

“There is no room for guesswork in business anymore. Having weighing scales will help traders avoid being perceived as dishonest and will strengthen trust among customers,” he added.

Mr Segamang’ombe said Majengo Market has about 4,000 traders, with nearly 80 per cent already owning weighing scales inspected and certified by WMA.

A trader at the market, Khadija Abdallah, said traders have often struggled with customers doubting the fairness of measurements when using unofficial containers, adding that access to certified scales would help restore public confidence.