Make Kariakoo vibrant–Samia
ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan on Friday swore in newly appointed ministers, Permanent Secretary and Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Commissioner General, directing them to deliver accordingly.
Dr Selemani Jafo was sworn in as Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Ashatu Kijaji to become Minister of State, Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment) and Engineer Yahya Samamba as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals.
Yusuph Juma Mwenda was sworn in to become Tanzania Revenue Authority Commissioner General. They took the oaths of their respective offices at Tunguu State Lodge in Zanzibar.
Speaking after the swearing ceremony, the Head of State tasked the Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Jafo to address various challenges in his new docket, particularly developing strategic plans for making Kariakoo an international market and a safe haven and reliable source of income for both the government and traders.
President Samia directed Mr Jafo to team up with Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Mr Albert Chalamila and other regional officials to find lasting solutions to challenges that always erupt at Kariakoo market.
She said Kariakoo, if well managed, can generate enough revenue to support the budget for three ministries annually.
“I have decided to switch you with Dr Ashatu Kijaji because I realised things were getting tough on her, it is obvious Kariakoo traders need someone who can talk and you are the right person, I know…you can talk,” said President Samia.
He directed Dr Jafo to make regular visits to Kariakoo, meet traders and befriend them so that he can learn business politics within the country’s business hub.
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“When they recently went on strike, I sent my people there. I was surprised some traders said they were just ordered by their leaders to close shops but they did not know why they were striking,” she said.
The Head of State also directed Dr Jafo to find a proper area for petty traders in Kariakoo. She said some traders were complaining over the presence of petty traders in front of their shops, blocking customers from accessing their business premises and yet they pay tax to the government.
“I want you to find the best way to deal with petty traders in Kariakoo, you can decide to close some of the roads in the evening to allow them to do business or find a suitable location for them.
They must not be left to block the shops of traders who are licensed and paying,” she noted. She said the Ministry must come up with a plan to register all petty traders in Kariakoo and keep a data base for proper monitoring.
“We must know who is who, I understand that these petty traders are good at handling their issues, they will cooperate,” she said. President Samia demanded a three-month report from the minister on the state of business in Kariakoo and other regions across the country.
“I need to make a close follow up on Kariakoo, I will need a detailed report on the business progress in Kariakoo after every three months,” noted the Head of State.
Moreover, President Samia expressed her expectations on Dr Kijaji as she moves to the Ministry of State, Office of the Vice-President (Union and Environment), saying the Union and environmental issues are going to be resolved accordingly.
“You did a good job in your previous Ministry, but the way things were going, I realised that you fit in this new position, I believe in you and probably you are going to do better,” she said.
She further revealed the reason behind moving Mr Alphayo Kidata from TRA to her office, saying the former taxman needed a break after recording good performance.
“I realised that Mr Kidata needed a break, and he now becomes my righthand man on tax related matters,” she said.
She tasked the new TRA boss, Mr Mwenda to ensure proper tax collection. President Samia said for the past few years, revenues have been increasing and that she is not expecting any drop.
She said in 2022/2023 fiscal year, TRA collected 24.1tri/- and the revenue surged in the 2023/2024 fiscal year to 27.63 tri/-.
“Mr Mwenda, you have done well in Zanzibar, I want you to do better in mainland, I understand that you know all methods and skills that are always used in evading tax, so please go and seal those gaps,” she said.
She urged Mr Mwenda to avoid favouritism and act in accordance to the law.
“Do not favour anybody, friendship will pull you down, do not entertain such practices, do your job,” she noted.
President Samia added that some traders were no longer using EFDs and that it is high time TRA work on the matter. She said: “We are tired of seeking loans, we can fund our projects from tax if we manage to collect it effectively.” She also directed the TRA boss to improve revenue collection at the Dar es Salaam Port so that the government can collect enough revenue.
The Head of State also tasked Engineer Samamba, the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals to improve the mining sector. She said the government can earn more from minerals if the sector is well managed.
