Minister of Works, Innocent Bashungwa, has affirmed that the Sixth Phase Government, led by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, remains committed to fostering a business-friendly environment by constructing essential infrastructure such as markets to facilitate trade.
Speaking in the Coast Region on October 9, 2024, during the inauguration of the modern Bwilingu Market in Chalinze District Council, Bashungwa noted that the project cost TZS 1.7 billion. He emphasized that the government prioritized the development of the market due to Chalinze’s strategic location, connected by the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and linking Dar es Salaam, Coast, and Dodoma regions.
“President Dr. Samia directed TZS 1.7 billion to be sourced from Chalinze District Council’s internally generated revenues to ensure the successful construction of this modern market,” Bashungwa explained.
The minister commended Chalinze District Council’s leadership and its councilors for implementing President Samia’s directives, setting a model for other councils to follow by using internal revenues to improve public services.
Bashungwa further directed experts from the district’s Market and Trade Department to regularly engage with market traders, providing them with business education to help grow their ventures.
He expressed that the new market would eliminate the challenges previously faced by local traders, who lacked a secure space for their businesses.
Coast Regional Commissioner, Abubakar Kunenge, highlighted that the market’s construction is part of a strategy to provide the district with a well-organized and efficient location for service delivery while boosting local revenue.
Residents of Chalinze District Council, speaking at the event, expressed their gratitude to President Samia for ensuring the funds were allocated to complete the market, which has simplified trade and enhanced individual economic opportunities.
