RC Chalamila calms down angry traders

DAR ES SALAAM: Authorities in Dar es Salaam have okayed petty traders to continue using the Simu2000 bus terminal at Ubungo suburb in the commercial capital that has been placed for demolition.

Initially, the local authorities had handed over the area to the Dar es Salaam Rapid Transit Agency (DART) for the construction of a new workshop. The workshop is an alternative to that at Jangwani which has turned into a burden and nuisance to the agency during heavy rains.

Unfortunately the plan didn’t go well with traders who took to the street to protest on Monday.

Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila ordered traders to continue using the area as the authority looked for a better option. He promised to hold talks with the traders on Saturday, July 13.

“I want to speak to the representatives from the Dar Rapid Transit Agency (DART) so that when I come back, I will have them explain everything to you,” he told traders on Monday.

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He confirmed the plan to hand over the area to DART but emphasized that the traders should have been consulted before any decisions were made.

The traders are concerned that DART’s presence in the area will displace some of them and lead to the removal of the Simu2000 Bus Terminal, which is crucial for attracting customers waiting for transportation.

The traders also claim that they were allocated to Simu2000 and assured it would be their permanent location.