Dar es Salaam. As silence continues regarding the reopening of the International Kariakoo Market in Dar es Salaam, traders are calling on the government to provide clarity and address ongoing issues, including clashes with city guards and significant financial losses.
It has been four years since renovation works began on the market following a fire outbreak on July 10, 2021, that destroyed traders' goods.
In response, the government allocated Sh28 billion for restoration, which commenced in January 2022.
The project aims to create a new, smaller market with six floors above ground and two below, designed to enhance business operations.
During construction, traders were temporarily relocated to Kisutu, Machinga Complex, and Karume markets.
Despite several meetings between Dar es Salaam’s regional leadership, experts, the anti-corruption agency (PCCB), and traders, no information has been provided regarding the market’s official reopening.
Speaking to Mwananchi, The Citizen’s sister newspaper, traders and small market leaders expressed frustration, saying they still do not understand what is happening despite reassurances from government authorities.
Many traders who previously operated in Kariakoo stated they have not received updates on when they will be allowed to return.
Consequently, they are planning a meeting with the regional commissioner, Mr Albert Chalamila.
“There has been silence since our re-verification, and we’ve been told the regional commissioner received the report. But why is there no information on what’s happening or what the report contains? We have a right to know,” said one trader, who wished to remain anonymous.
Small market chairman, Mr Minja Msuya said they intend to meet with the regional leadership for answers.
“We plan to meet the regional leadership at the end of this month or early February to find answers on the matter,” he said.
Another trader, who identified himself simply as Elibariki, said that while Mr Chalamila has repeatedly stated the market will operate 24/7, former Kariakoo traders have been excluded from these plans.
He had expected more direct engagement or meetings to discuss how they would operate upon their return.
Ms Husna Chaurembo expressed her frustration, emphasising that the market’s reopening is vital for attracting regular customers.
“We need the market to reopen because waiting on the streets for customers isn’t sustainable. We had regular customers at the market, and I hope Mr Chalamila will address this,” she said.
Mr Rashid Kabwali explained that during a meeting with the PCCB and market authorities in September 2024, they were asked to refrain from causing further disturbances.
“We were directed to have Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) and National ID to return, but no timeline was provided,” he said.
Ms Amina Kipozi, who has been trading near the construction site, acknowledged frequent clashes with city guards but said she has no other option to support her family.
“We want the market to reopen to avoid further conflicts with city guards, but we need to know when we can return, especially with changes in business operations,” she said.
Confusion surrounds Kariakoo Market
In April 2024, Kariakoo Market’s management claimed the renovation was 98 percent complete and announced the market would open in May 2024.
They also outlined procedures for former traders to return and new traders to join.
However, after releasing the list of approved returnees, traders contested the selection process, arguing that many were excluded despite having valid contracts.
A week after the list was published, only 819 traders were selected from more than 1,600, sparking protests.
On July 12, 2024, traders marched from Mnazi Mmoja grounds to the CCM Lumumba offices.
The following day, Dar es Salaam Governor Mr Chalamila met with traders to address their concerns.
He recognised their grievances, including the exclusion of their leaders from the verification process and the allocation of multiple stalls to some individuals.
Mr Chalamila subsequently met with the Kariakoo Market management, ordering a review of the list.
He also instructed PCCB to investigate the process and take legal action if any corruption was found.
Traders not on the list were to be re-verified, with their names merged with the first group once approved by the regional office and the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG).
The re-verification was carried out by a special committee, chaired by Aman Mafuru.
On September 4, 2024, the committee submitted its report to Mr Chalamila, highlighting its efforts to ensure transparency due to the market’s importance.
However, four months later, no clear timeline has been provided for the market’s reopening, leaving traders in continued uncertainty.
Back and forth
Government leaders, including Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo and Regional Administrative Secretary Dr Toba Nguvila, have indicated that the matter remains under the jurisdiction of the regional commissioner.
When contacted on January 20, 2025, Mr Chalamila’s phone went unanswered. Despite promising to respond to a text message, no follow-up has been received.
