The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Prof Riziki Shemdoe, has expressed satisfaction with the final preparations for the reopening of the Kariakoo Central Market in Ilala, Dar es Salaam.
Prof Shemdoe said this yesterday after touring the market to assess readiness ahead of the official reopening ceremony, which will be presided over today by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He hailed the government’s investment in restoring and modernising the market, which was severely damaged by a fire in July 2021.
The project involved the rehabilitation of the old structure and the construction of a new six-storey complex aimed at improving safety, capacity and the trading environment.
“I commend President Samia for approving Sh28 billion for this project. This is a major investment that reflects the government’s commitment to supporting traders and strengthening urban commercial infrastructure,” Prof Shemdoe said.
Following the 2021 fire, President Samia visited the site to console affected traders and pledged to rebuild and upgrade the market. Prof Shemdoe noted that the completion of the project marks the fulfilment of that pledge.
He urged Dar es Salaam residents and the business community to attend the reopening, describing the upgraded market as a boost to trade and livelihoods in the city.
Prof Shemdoe also praised the Dar es Salaam Regional Administration, the city council and the Kariakoo Market Corporation for effective coordination that ensured the project was completed on time and to the required standards.
The inspection tour was attended by the Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PO-RALG), Adolf Ndunguru; Deputy Permanent Secretary Sospeter Mtwale; Dar es Salaam Regional Administrative Secretary Abdul Mhinte; Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo; Dar es Salaam City Director Elihuruma Mabehe, alongside other senior officials.