BUSINESS and transport stakeholders in Tanga region are excited about the recent inauguration of the Samia Suluhu Hassan Business Centre. They believe that the new facility will serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the region by drawing in individuals from various sectors.

They elaborated on their perspectives to the Guardian reporter while standing on the sidelines of the official inauguration of the commercial property owned by the city council and attended by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa.

"Tanga City council has devised innovative plans for the development of an investment centre that will serve as a catalyst for the regional economy. By positioning itself as an industrial and agricultural hub, this facility has already piqued the interest of investors from diverse sectors," noted Juma Hizza, a successful businessperson with a portfolio of food processing factories.

He also mentioned that the property will become another iconic business landmark in Tanga City, featured in various TV programs and billboards.

According to Tanga City council officials, the project will include an area designated for petty traders from four districts of the Tanga region. These traders were previously selling their goods at the Tangamano open market between Tuesday and Saturday.

City commuter buses that operate routes from various Tanga City suburbs to Kange bus terminal anticipate an increase in earnings. This is due to the expected rise in the number of passengers, as they will now be able to carry passengers traveling to other destinations beyond the bus terminal.

"I would like to congratulate, city's council mayor, director, officials and councilors because we are now breathing sigh of relief as commuter drivers and conductors will get good number of passengers," said Joseph Issaya a commuter bus driver plying between Kange Stand and Mwakidila.

"Earlier, we only depending upcountry buses that ended their routes at Kange Terminal to overhaul passengers to Daladala that gave us difficult moments to sometimes fighting ourselves for passengers, " he said.

He continued saying that, due to the situation, some commuter bus owners has ceased to operate from Kange to other streets because they managed to make at least three or four routes only on daily basis.

"Owners of the vehicles need at least 50,000/- daily; and we need to use the income we are collecting in purchasing fuels, considering that the price is not predictable. In one route, you can make about between 8,000/-to 10,000/-. So, how can you survive in such situation?" he questioned.

According to Tanga City Council civil engineer, Rajab Mchezo the investment center has 42 rooms that will be used as offices to accommodate bus owners as booking offices, restaurants, passengers awaiting lounge, shops, restaurants, conference hall and toilets.

Speaking during the official launch of the facility, Prime Minister Majaliwa cautioned Tanga City officials to abstain from any type of corruption practices, while allocating rooms and stalls to business people.

The 8.7bn/- project, was constructed opposite of Kange Bus Terminal, about ten kilometers from Tanga city centre. 

The project which is at 90.7 percent of its execution has been explained by business stakeholders as will boost Tanga City economy and create job opportunities.