As discussions around the proposed December 9 demonstrations intensify, young construction workers in Dar es Salaam have distanced themselves from the calls to protest, saying their priority is to protect their daily income and avoid a repeat of the disruption experienced on October 29.
The workers, who earn a living by mixing and carrying concrete at construction sites, said they depend on daily wages to support themselves and their families.
Any interruption, they noted, directly affects their ability to buy food and meet basic needs.
“Our work is hard, and if I do not leave home to work, I do not eat,” one of the workers said. He explained that he lost several days of income during the October 29 tension and cannot risk facing the same situation again.
Another young man said many youths in the city are “tired of living in fear and uncertainty.”
“We stayed inside for three days. There was nothing to eat. We cannot go through that again. We are tired of protests,” he said.
Their comments reflect growing concern among citizens who rely on informal and low-income jobs. Many say they want stability to continue with their businesses, rather than disturbances that could threaten their livelihoods.
Across different neighbourhoods, residents young people, women and elders have echoed similar views, urging that peace and daily economic activities should not be jeopardised.
They say the focus should be on ensuring safety, work opportunities and uninterrupted services.
For these youths, the message is clear: they want normalcy, not confrontation. They want to work, earn and support their families without the fear of losing another day of income.