Africa-Press – Tanzania. MOST parts of the cities’ streets have acquired new look, offering clear walkways and car passages after several hawkers, fondly called Machinga heeded directives to relocate to designated places.
Brief survey conducted by the ‘Daily News’ in some big cities, including Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Morogoro and Arusha noted that several streets that were initially impassable now have different scenery.
Initially, petty traders in the busy streets used to lay down their wares on the parts of the roads, avenues and streets and blocking easy movement of people as well as their goods, but now cleared.
In Dar es Salaam, most parts are now clean and allow smooth movement of people and vehicles as opposed to the previous situation.
Some of the areas that have gained a new look as a result of the relocation of petty traders, includes the city’s busiest spots of Kariakoo, city centre at Posta area, Ilala, Buguruni, Tazara, Vingunguti, Gongo la Mboto, Tegeta, Bunju, Kimara and some parts of Mbagala. Few days ago it was difficult to drive along the popular Congo Street of Kariakoo, but now there is a smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians in the streets.
Speaking on the new look that Dar es Salaam has gained as a result of the relocation of hawkers, some city residents commended the government on its efforts to move the petty traders.
“I’m now happy that there is an order in town, we can move and do shopping without any disturbance,” said Ms Aisha Kitedu, a resident of Mabibo in Ubungo Municipality.
However, she asked the authorities to continue with the exercise so that all parts of the roads and streets remain passable, adding that they must relocate to the designated areas.
“At some point it was even difficult to board a Daladala (commuter bus) as they had no proper place to park at the bus terminals. The intervention has really helped us and other activities to continue,” a resident of Tabata Segerea, Jumanne Issa, told this paper.
The situation was also evident in Morogoro Municipality where once impassable streets are now easily accessible. The Daily News observed such situation at Ng’aka Street that used to be blocked with hawkers activities, but after voluntarily relocation, cars started passing with ease.
In the course, several hawkers in Morogoro Municipality have relocated to ‘Chifu Kingalu’ modern main market. Observation in Mwanza City noted that petty traders’ relocation exercise is still in progress and currently clearing streets.
For instance, the Liberty Street that was blocked by the machinga and left no place for the penetration of vehicles and other road users is now almost empty. Shop owners along the street, including Mr Rajabu Kimune praised the move, saying: “Among the benefits is road safety promotion as well as making us, who pay taxes to do business.” Recently, Nyamagana District Commissioner (DC), Ms Amina Makilagi said the designated areas for the hawkers will be Mbugani, Milongo, Mchafukuoga, Buhongwa and Nyegezi.
In Bukoba Municipal Council petty traders are set to hold a meeting today to discuss with authorities over where they would safely relocate to.
