How lack of consumer affairs policy affects you

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania lacks policies that secure the interests of consumers despite having regulatory authorities’ consultative councils.

As a result, consumers continue to be voiceless considering all irregularities committed by goods producers and service providers.

The Tanzania Consumers Advocacy Society (TCAS) executive director, Mr Bernard Kihiyo, said it was time Tanzania came up with an elaborate consumer affairs policy, which will protect consumers’ interests.

“We have been advocating the introduction of the policy that will be dealing with consumer affairs only instead of having a general policy, which treats local consumers as third class citizens,” he said.

The introduction of consumer policy will enable Tanzanians to enjoy value for their money when purchasing goods and services.

Besides, they may also demand compensation in case they are dissatisfied with the goods or services.

The Fair Competition Commission (FCC) also disclosed that Tanzania is facing a shortage of consumer advocacy institutions, which has resulted in consumers counting their losses after purchasing goods and services. The FCC says the consumers have the right to be provided with relevant education on the various products and services they purchase.

Nonetheless, due to institutions shortage, consumers are left at the mercy of producers and service provides.

“The associations will be collecting opinions from consumers on various issues,” said FCC senior consumer protection officer Joshua Msoma recently.

According to him, there are a few consumer protection associations compared to service providers, a situation which undermines the rights of consumers.

“There are so many associations defending the producers and providers interests, but only a few organisations attempt to defend consumers,” he said.

The FCC officer said consumers have the right to purchase safe products and services, get relevant information and be compensated.

“However, consumers have the responsibility to read instructions carefully before they buy,” he said.