Opposition party ACT Wazalendo has challenged the government to halt forced evictions of small traders and instead adopt a system that allows them to operate legally without losing access to customers.
In a statement issued on September 25, the party said ongoing operations against machinga in several cities were destroying traders’ businesses and capital, while failing to address the underlying economic pressures that have driven thousands into informal trading.
The party’s statement comes weeks after President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed regional authorities to improve the organisation of small traders, following concerns over their increasing presence on streets and in other public spaces.
ACT Wazalendo said the directive had instead been followed by operations in which traders’ stalls, tables and goods were allegedly destroyed or confiscated.
It cited areas including Tandika, Buguruni, Gongo la Mboto, Ilala Boma, Kigamboni, Tegeta, Msasani and Mbagala in Dar es Salaam, as well as parts of Mwanza, Tanga, Mbeya and Kilimanjaro.
The party said removing traders from areas with established customer bases without providing viable alternatives could undermine their livelihoods.
“Where there are challenges related to cleanliness, security, congestion or use of public spaces, the government should seek solutions that enable small traders to continue operating in an orderly manner,” the party said.
ACT Wazalendo also raised concerns over fires at markets used by small traders, including the Machinga Complex in Dodoma, Marangu in Moshi and Mbao Sabasaba in Mwanza.
It called for Parliament to investigate market fires and establish their causes, saying affected traders should be involved in decisions on the reconstruction or relocation of markets.
The party also proposed evening markets in cities and towns, arguing that such arrangements could allow traders to operate in busy areas while reducing pressure on roads and other public spaces during the day.
ACT Wazalendo said authorities should stop using municipal enforcement teams to demolish traders’ structures or seize their goods, arguing that disputes involving small businesses should be handled through civilian officials responsible for trade and community development.
The party further called for formal regulations to recognise small traders and provide them with legal protection, as well as simpler systems for registration and compliance with tax and municipal requirements.
It argued that the rapid growth of informal trading reflected wider challenges in the labour market, with people turning to petty trading, motorcycle transport, food vending and other small businesses to earn a living.
“Instead of removing the machinga, the government should address the root causes of the problem by changing economic policies, increasing employment and creating better conditions for production and small businesses,” the statement said.
The party also referred to remarks by former President Benjamin Mkapa in a 2009 interview, in which he discussed the effects of privatisation and limited domestic capital on employment and local industries.
ACT Wazalendo said the government should pursue urban planning that accommodates both established businesses and informal traders, rather than treating the two groups as competing interests.
Its proposals include consultations with traders before relocations, designated trading areas with sufficient customer traffic, investigations into market fires and the establishment of evening markets.
The government has previously said its objective is to organise small traders and ensure that urban centres remain orderly while protecting livelihoods.
President Samia’s September directive called for regional authorities to take responsibility for organising small traders and finding workable arrangements for their businesses.
The dispute now centres on how that directive is implemented—whether through enforcement and relocation or through consultation, formalisation and the provision of viable trading spaces.