"Kariakoo Prepares for 24-Hour Business Operations"

Government Agencies Prepare for 24-Hour Business in Kariakoo

Dar es Salaam, February 21, 2025 – As the plan to make Kariakoo, one of Dar es Salaam’s busiest commercial districts, a hub for 24-hour business begins to take shape, several key government institutions are intensifying their efforts to ensure smooth implementation.

Among the agencies involved are the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco), the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (Tarura), and the Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra). These institutions are crucial to creating an environment conducive to round-the-clock commerce in the area, with the aim of boosting government revenue and creating more employment opportunities.

The Tanzania Electrical and Mechanical Services Agency (Temesa) has already signed a contract with the Dar es Salaam City Council to install 40 cameras, a project set to begin in March 2025, with an allocation of Sh514.3 million.

Tanesco’s Role in Facilitating 24-Hour Business

Tanesco is actively replacing wooden power poles with concrete ones and upgrading exposed power lines to ensure a consistent electricity supply for 24-hour operations. Kenneth Boymanda, Tanesco’s Eastern Regional Director, confirmed that 90% of the pole replacements and 95% of the line upgrades have been completed.

Boymanda stated that Tanesco is fully committed to supporting the 24-hour business initiative in Kariakoo, focusing on making sure that electricity will be available continuously. He highlighted that the work being carried out is in close consultation with local business owners to minimize disruptions. Significant progress has been made along all roads leading to Kariakoo Market, with plans to extend the work to other streets soon.

To further secure the power supply, Tanesco has decided to implement dual power lines, ensuring that one can take over if there are any issues with the other. Additionally, four dedicated teams will be available 24/7 to address any power-related emergencies swiftly.

Infrastructure Development by Tarura and Latra

John Magori, Manager of Tarura in Ilala District, shared that the agency has already started repairing the Swahili Street roads, with work on Tandamti Street about to begin. In collaboration with the City Council, Tarura is also planning to install 730 streetlights to improve nighttime visibility.

Magori also addressed concerns about the solar-powered streetlights, which have been criticized for their weak illumination. He assured the public that new, higher-quality lights would be installed, addressing the shortcomings of the current models.

Latra has committed to ensuring uninterrupted transportation services 24 hours a day. According to Salum Pazzy, the Head of the Public Relations and Communications Unit at Latra, inspection officers will be stationed around Kariakoo to monitor the transport situation continuously. Furthermore, Latra’s customer service center will also operate around the clock to address any complaints from commuters.

Latra is also in the process of implementing a vehicle tracking system (VTS) on all commuter buses, which will help monitor their routes and reduce instances of buses deviating from their schedules. Pazzy added that drivers and bus owners would receive training on this system before its installation.

Udart’s Plans for 24-Hour Transport Services

The Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Authority (Udart) is also preparing for its role in the 24-hour business initiative. Gabriel Katanga, the Head of Communication at Udart, mentioned that the agency would be ready to share more details next week regarding how it plans to support the extended hours.

Postponement of Official Launch

While preparations are ongoing, the official launch of 24-hour business operations in Kariakoo, initially scheduled for February 22, 2025, has been postponed. According to Edward Mpogolo, the District Commissioner of Ilala, the new launch date is now between February 25 and 27, 2025.

The initiative, first announced by Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila on January 30, aims to enhance the region’s economy, increase government revenue, and create more jobs. Chalamila emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for business throughout the day and night, with ongoing cooperation from local leaders to improve key business areas.

Kariakoo and Other Areas Ready for 24-Hour Commerce

While Kariakoo is still preparing for the official start, some parts of Dar es Salaam, particularly high-traffic areas like Mbagala Rangi Tatu, Mwenge, Mbezi Luis, and Buguruni, have already seen businesses operating around the clock, highlighting the public’s demand for 24-hour commerce.

Last week, Severine Mushi, Chairperson of the Business Community, expressed readiness for the 24-hour business shift in Kariakoo. He noted the importance of reopening roads blocked by informal vendors, known as "wamachinga," and emphasized the need for strict regulation to prevent road closures.

Said Chenja, Chairman of the Motorcycle and Bajaji Operators' Union in Dar es Salaam, revealed that operators would soon receive special uniforms, expected to be distributed next month. The distinct colors of these uniforms will help identify drivers based on their district of origin, a move designed to improve management and oversight.