Regional Commissioner of Dar es Salaam, Albert Chalamila, has underscored the government’s firm stance against exploitation of citizens through inaccurate weighing scales.
He described precise measurements as a vital foundation for the growth and protection of farmers, traders, and the wider Tanzanian community.
Chalamila made these remarks during his visit to exhibition booths at the Eastern Zone Nanenane Agricultural Show held at the Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere Grounds in Morogoro.
He issued a stern warning to anyone manipulating scales or measurements for personal gain, emphasizing that awareness and education on the use of accurate measurements among farmers, traders, and other stakeholders are indispensable.
“The establishment of a dedicated sector to regulate measurement standards reflects the government’s recognition of the critical role accurate weighing plays in our economy. Traders may sometimes seek to maximize profits by using faulty scales or tampering with measurements, but such practices will not be tolerated,” Chalamila said.
He explained that the government, through the Tanzania Weights and Measures Agency (WMA), has enacted robust laws enabling farmers and livestock keepers to sell their products on the basis of verified, accurate measurements.
Offenders found using inaccurate scales face strict enforcement measures. However, the Regional Commissioner stressed the need to scale up joint educational efforts targeting farmers, traders, and livestock keepers to strengthen compliance.
Chalamila praised WMA’s collaboration with various sectors, including water authorities, to combat the use of fraudulent meters and ensure all measuring devices are properly certified.
He also called on citizens to report any cases of exploitation, particularly where farmers and livestock keepers are shortchanged through inaccurate volume measurements, citing the example of irregularities observed in Rumbesa.
Phanuel Matiko, WMA’s Regional Manager for Morogoro, noted that the Nanenane show offers a valuable opportunity to educate the public on the proper use and importance of accurate measurement tools.
He said the agency carries out inspections before and during the harvesting season to safeguard farmers from losses caused by faulty scales.
“Our focus is on strategic crops, and throughout the season, we conduct inspections to protect farmers. Ensuring scales are accurate is essential to prevent financial losses due to manipulation,” Matiko explained.
He further added that the entire agricultural value chain undergoes regular inspections. Frequent verification of measuring instruments is critical to protecting farmers and traders alike, ensuring fairness and transparency in all transactions.