HANDENI District Commissioner (DC) Salum Nyamwese has urged boda boda and bajaji operators to take advantage of the 10 percent loan facility provided by the Handeni Town Council through its internal revenues, saying the initiative is key to economic empowerment and ending exploitative contracts.

Speaking during a meeting with transport operators at Chanika Primary School grounds, Nyamwese said most riders are held back by predatory lease agreements since they do not own their motorcycles or three-wheelers, limiting their progress.

“It is important to form groups and apply for the council loans, which are interest-free and will enable you to own your transport vehicles. Our President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, is committed to ensuring every Tanzanian benefits from development opportunities, and you must seize this chance,” he said.

The DC further cautioned operators against involvement in crime and reckless road behavior, urging strict compliance with traffic regulations.

He announced that the district government has arranged a one-week free training program at the Handeni Folk Development College (FDC), where participants will obtain certificates to facilitate issuance of driving licenses.

On the upcoming General Election scheduled for October 29, Nyamwese encouraged riders to turn out in large numbers and exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Earlier, Hamis Kidunda, reading a statement on behalf of the Handeni Boda Boda Association with 1,265 members, appealed to the government to continue providing motorcycle and bajaji loans to reduce dependence on exploitative financing.

“We thank President Samia for her efforts in ensuring our safety. We have also been working closely with the government in combating crimes linked to boda boda,” said Kidunda.

Meanwhile, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in Tanga Region has concluded a series of tax education seminars held across all 11 councils, culminating in a session with traders in Tanga City.

During the seminar sessions,traders requested TRA to establish a unified system that aligns tax obligations with the capacity of businesses, saying this would enhance compliance and fairness.

Tanga Region Business Association Secretary, Ismail Masoud, emphasized that consistent tax education is vital in broadening the taxpayer base.

“Educating traders regularly will help build a culture of tax compliance. Without a deliberate plan to create new taxpayers, the country risks having too few contributors, which is dangerous for our economy,” he warned.

Acting Tanga Regional TRA Manager, Daniel Ramadhani, said the goal of the seminars was to familiarize traders with financial laws and tax amendments passed during national budget sessions.

He noted that among the key changes is the Value Added Tax (VAT) reform, which introduces a 3 percent levy on the sale of goods and services, including banks and mobile networks.

TRA Senior Education and Communication Officer, Chama Siliwa, added that the authority is intensifying taxpayer education nationwide to address challenges caused by limited awareness of tax laws.