AN estimated 350 bn/- have been set aside to improve the business environment for petty traders, it was disclosed in the National Assembly yesterday.
Minister of State in the President’s
Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Mr George
Simbachawene, said that the contribution of petty traders to the
national economy is vital to the country’s economic growth.
He was answering a supplementary
question from Joseph Mbilinyi (Mbeya Urban-Chadema) who wanted to know
government plans in creating a conducive business environment for petty
traders. “Petty traders are important as they strongly support the
national economy, but they should only operate in designated areas,” he
said.
In his question, Mbilinyi argued that
what the traders need was not simply where to operate their business but
a conducive environment to enable their undertakings flourish. “Such
traders are in every country in the world; the difference with Tanzania
is that they are pushed to areas where there is no business,” he
claimed, citing the Machinga complex in Dar es Salaam said to have been
deserted by the petty traders.
Mr Simbachawene said all local
government authorities have been directed to allocate business areas for
petty traders to enable them operate in a conducive environment.
In his main question, Mtwara Urban MP,
Mr Maftaha Nachuma (CUF) had asked the government to explain how it has
implemented President John Magufuli’s directive on helping petty traders
conduct their businesses without any disturbance. He said that the Head
of State had in mind the best way to help the “machingas” who
frequently face eviction for invading restricted areas.
“How have you implemented the
president’s directive to set aside business areas for the traders,
including those in Likonde, Mbae and Mjimwema areas in Mtwara
municipality?” he queried
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