The Weights and Measures Agency (WMA) has stepped up inspections of roofing sheet manufacturers in Mwanza, warning producers and traders against supplying products that fail to meet legally required measurements.
The move is aimed at protecting consumers from financial losses arising from inaccurate measurements and misleading information, particularly in the construction sector.
The warning was issued yesterday, August 27, 2026, after WMA officials conducted surprise inspections at selected roofing sheet manufacturing plants in the region.
WMA Mwanza Regional Manager Karim Zuberi said the agency had already taken action against five manufacturers this year after inspections and complaints from consumers revealed that they were producing roofing sheets with incorrect measurements.
“We urge manufacturers to comply with the law and ensure that roofing sheets placed on the market meet the required measurements and quality standards,” Mr Zuberi said.
He also called on consumers to be more careful when purchasing roofing sheets and report suspected cases of inaccurate measurements to the authorities.
Mr Zuberi singled out the use of gauge numbers, saying some traders mislead customers by suggesting that a higher gauge number means a thicker and better-quality roofing sheet.
He said the opposite is generally true, with a lower gauge number indicating a thicker sheet.
The clarification is significant for consumers because roofing sheets are among the major construction materials used by households and businesses, meaning inaccurate information can result in buyers paying more for products that do not meet their expectations.
Mr Zuberi urged consumers to seek accurate information on product specifications before making purchases and encouraged traders to provide customers with correct details.
Biyolelo Ndaisaba, a representative of a roofing sheet manufacturing company in Mwanza, said manipulating measurements amounted to depriving consumers of the value of their hard-earned money.
She said manufacturers had a responsibility to ensure that products reaching the market complied with established standards and legal requirements.
The latest inspections form part of WMA's routine and surprise checks of products sold to consumers, with the agency seeking to curb measurement-related malpractice and strengthen consumer protection.
The agency has also encouraged members of the public to report suspected violations to enable authorities to take appropriate action.