Dar es Salaam. As Ubungo Municipal Council demands over Sh249.4 million in rent arrears from business owners at the Magufuli Bus Terminal passenger building, traders have outlined the operational challenges driving declining sales and payment delays.
Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, traders said that despite upcountry buses resuming operations at the station, many passengers still do not use the terminal building as intended, leaving shops on the upper floors struggling.
Lifts switched off
A second-floor trader, Ms Rebecca Bigawa, said the standard lifts and escalators have been out of service for a long time, forcing most passengers to stay on the ground floor rather than head upstairs.
She explained that under the terminal's initial design, passengers were supposed to enter the passenger building free of charge, go up to the third floor to buy tickets, and then descend to the second floor to wait for departure.
However, she noted that current procedures allow passengers direct access to the bus bays after paying an entry card fee.
“Most passengers do not reach our shops at all, which is why business continues to deteriorate,” said Ms Bigawa.
Commenting on the matter, Ubungo Municipal Council Communications Officer Joina Nzali said the lifts were switched off due to high electricity consumption and low passenger numbers.
However, she added that there are plans to reactivate them once terminal operations stabilise.
Unsatisfactory water
Another trader, Mr Ramadhani Liuka, stated that the tap water inside the building has a salty taste, raising concerns particularly among food vendors.
“That water has an unusual taste. Dawasa (Dar es Salaam Water Supply and Sanitation Authority) should inspect it because it is consumed by many people,” said Mr Liuka.
Ubungo District Commissioner, Mr Albert Msando, said authorities have already contacted Dawasa and that the issue is currently being addressed.
Toilet charges
Traders also complained about paying for toilet services every time they use the facility.
They explained that a trader can spend between Sh1,000 and Sh2,000 per day, with night-shift workers bearing an even heavier financial burden.
They suggested introducing a monthly payment plan or special access cards, arguing that they already pay taxes and other sanitation fees.
High rent and debts
Traders also pointed to the rental rate of Sh22,400 per square metre as excessive compared to actual business conditions at the terminal.
Mr Eliasanti Bugenyi requested that the fee be reduced to Sh7,000 per square metre while calling for a review of accumulated arrears.
He noted that many traders remained at the station even during periods when there were not enough passengers.
“Where do they expect us to get the money to pay half the debt they are asking for when the business itself has not yet recovered?” asked Mr Bugenyi.
Business layout
Mr Bugenyi also noted that businesses using open flames or cooking heat are mixed together with clothing shops and passenger waiting areas, stating that this setup could pose safety risks and harm the terminal’s image.
A passenger, Mr Idrisa Kiwanga, said directional signs leading people to the terminal building and ticket offices are not clearly visible.
He stated that most notices at the station focus more on commercial advertising rather than guiding travellers to essential services within the terminal.
He added that improving directional guidance systems would encourage more passengers to use the terminal building, thereby boosting business opportunities for operators inside.
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