Dar es Salaam. The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO-RALG), Riziki Shemdoe, has directed authorities to take immediate steps to return traders to the Simu 2000 communications market following a fire that destroyed the facility on April 4, 2026.
During a visit to the site on April 10, Prof. Shemdoe said he was satisfied with the implementation of directives issued earlier by Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, who had ordered a rapid clean-up of the area to allow traders to resume business.
“I am satisfied with the implementation of the directives. Traders should be allowed to return as soon as possible to continue their activities,” he said.
He, however, cautioned against rebuilding temporary structures, directing traders to use tables and umbrellas as interim measures to protect themselves from sun and rain as longer-term arrangements are put in place.
Prof. Shemdoe tasked Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila with overseeing the implementation of the directives, while Ubungo District Commissioner Albert Msando was instructed to conduct daily follow-ups to ensure traders return promptly.
In a parallel move, the minister directed the Dar Rapid Transit Agency (DART) and the contractor building the new market to complete construction within four months instead of the initial six-month timeline.
The acceleration is intended to provide permanent stalls to traders currently expected to operate under temporary arrangements.
Mr Chalamila commended the district leadership for coordinating the clean-up and recovery process, saying it had enabled faster restoration of business activities for affected traders.
Mr Msando said authorities will conduct a verification exercise within three days to identify legitimate traders using full names and identification documents. The exercise aims to prevent misuse of space, including subletting of stalls.
He added that any financial support or loans will be directed only to traders who were directly affected by the fire and meet the required criteria.
The directives signal a push by authorities to restore livelihoods quickly while ensuring order and accountability in the rebuilding of the market.
