Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba on Monday visited the Simu 2000 business area in Ubungo District, Dar es Salaam, to assess the damage caused by a fire that destroyed about 580 kiosks belonging to small-scale traders.
The fire, which broke out recently at the busy trading spot popularly known as Simu 2000, left hundreds of traders counting losses after their merchandise and business structures were reduced to ashes.
During the visit, the Prime Minister met affected traders and conveyed a message of sympathy from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, assuring them that the government stands with them during this difficult time.
He said the President had directed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Dr Nchemba told the traders that the government had listened to their concerns and was already taking steps to ensure they return to business as soon as possible.
Among the immediate measures he ordered was the clearing of the burnt area so that by tomorrow the site will be ready for traders who may wish to resume their businesses.
He also directed that plans be prepared for establishing a proper stand at Simu 2000 to improve the organization of business activities in the area.
The Prime Minister instructed the Permanent Secretary and the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner to meet with all relevant stakeholders and review the design of the area to ensure it accommodates traders and other important services in an orderly manner.
At the same time, he directed the Ubungo District Commissioner to oversee the verification of kiosk owners and traders who were operating in the area.
Dr Nchemba said preliminary indications show that some kiosk owners had rented their spaces to other traders, making it necessary to establish the rightful beneficiaries so that assistance reaches the intended victims.
To help traders recover from the losses, the Prime Minister ordered the Ubungo Municipal Council to provide soft loans to the affected traders without imposing strict conditions.
He also acknowledged that some traders had outstanding loans from financial institutions and instructed local authorities to engage with those institutions to allow the traders more time to repay their loans.
The Prime Minister further said the government will implement plans to improve market infrastructure in two wards of Ubungo District, noting that President Samia had already issued directives on the matter.
Speaking during the visit, the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, thanked the Prime Minister for taking time to personally visit the affected traders despite the holiday period.
He said the visit demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing citizens’ challenges and ensuring that those affected by disasters receive support.
RC Chalamila also provided clarification on several issues that have recently drawn public attention in the region, including concerns over fuel prices, incidents involving loss of personal belongings, and the fire outbreak at Simu 2000 Market.
Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister urged citizens to continue safeguarding peace and security, saying that maintaining stability is the responsibility of every Tanzanian.
He called on the public to report any suspicious signs or incidents to relevant authorities so that timely action can be taken to protect lives and property.
