The government has announced that it is prepared to reinstate 1,520 traders who previously operated at Kariakoo Market, allowing them to resume their business activities. So far, 1,159 traders have already registered through the Tausi system and have signed contracts.

This information was shared yesterday by Ashiraf Yusuph, Executive Director of the Kariakoo Market Corporation, while speaking to journalists about the market's progress.

Yusuph stated that the traders have been categorized into three groups: stall owners, sellers of agrochemicals and grains, and new traders.

"Out of 764 stalls, 627 traders have already registered and are ready to resume business, which is about 81%. As for grain sellers, we are in the final stages before they also begin operations. Additionally, new and visiting traders are required to register through the Tausi system within seven days, as announced," said Yusuph.

He further noted that for traders who previously operated at the market but have since passed away, inheritance procedures will be followed within one month so that their business spaces can be legally transferred to their rightful heirs.

On the other hand, Yusuph urged 99 traders with outstanding debts to settle them within 10 days to reclaim their rights.

He emphasized that the improvements made to the market have enhanced efficiency and ease of doing business, including the provision of parking spaces and storage facilities. He encouraged both traders and buyers to use the market with confidence.

Meanwhile, the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, gave leaders of small-scale traders at Kariakoo a two-week deadline to engage with their peers and plan how to remove their street-based businesses ahead of the official reopening of the market in early July.

"My advice to small-scale traders is to start winding up and removing your street businesses so that when the market opens, there are no disruptions, as there is also a designated area for you within the market," said Chalamila.

He added that the reconstruction and renovation of the market have reached 98% completion, with the remaining work being the completion of the perimeter wall. This aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to modernize the market while preserving its essence as an international marketplace.

Furthermore, he said the government will oversee all pricing and business procedures in the market, clarifying that some of the shops previously controlled by multiple brokers for self-gain will now be re-regulated through the Tausi system to maintain the market’s international reputation.

"As a government, we will oversee everything. Regarding tax payments, we have proposed an insurance policy for the market, something that was lacking before and led to major challenges during the market fire incident. Currently, security systems are being enhanced with the installation of surveillance cameras, and the market will also host banks to provide financial services," Chalamila said.