By Mutayoba ArbogastThe Missenyi District Council in Kagera Region is preparing to launch an exciting new project: the construction of a modern market in Missenyi, estimated to cost around TZS 5 billion.
Projestus Tegamaisho, the chairman of the council, recently announced that they have already secured TZS 1.7 billion of the total funding needed for the project. He emphasized the economic benefits the new market will bring to both the community and the district, urging local residents to get ready for the project’s implementation.
Shedrack Wellin Willilo, Managing Director of Stet International (T) Ltd, presented the market’s design and feasibility study to the council members.
The new market is expected to become a key model for modern markets in East Africa, designed with the growth of the city and the needs of cross-border traders in mind.
The market will have over 300 shops, restaurants, banks, bars, parking spaces, a bus terminal, and other essential facilities, all aimed at boosting trade and entrepreneurship in the area.
This project is part of a larger effort to invest in regional infrastructure, which will improve business opportunities and strengthen the local economy.
Tegamaisho has instructed the experts involved to begin construction as soon as possible now that some initial funds are available. The project is expected to take about two years to complete.
In addition, Tegamaisho encouraged Missenyi residents to actively participate in local production to increase their income.
He highlighted the example of an entrepreneur in Kyenjubu, Bunazi, who has started a poultry farm and is selling chickens for TZS 30,000 each, which is in contrast to local people who remain unemployed.
The modern market, located in Bunazi, will replace the old market and is designed to attract traders from across Tanzania and East Africa, which will help grow the local economy.
Missenyi District is known for producing various agricultural products like coffee, bananas, maize, cassava, and sugarcane.
The new market could improve the livelihoods of many people, as long as business taxes and fees remain reasonable.
However, some critics believe that economic growth will be limited unless unnecessary roadblocks and barriers in the area are removed.
This issue was also raised by the Minister of Home Affairs, Innocent Bashungwa, who, in December last year, instructed the police and road agencies to inspect and remove poorly placed roadblocks that can pose safety risks and contribute to accidents.
