THE refurbished Kariakoo Market in Dar es Salaam Region which its construction budget stood at 28.6bn/- is now set to be opened in August, this year benefiting over 3000 traders, the government has said.

The country’s famous Kariakoo market was burnt in 2021 affecting hundreds of traders, something which made the government invest funds for its fresh look.

Zainab Katimba, Deputy Minister of State, in the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government unveiled this during the weekend saying that construction work had now reached 93 percent and that technicians were on final touches.

He was speaking when members of the Parliamentary Committee on Regional Administration and Local Government toured to inspect progress of the market.

She reminded the contractor that the government will not provide any extension time, so they should work hard to ensure that the project is completed within the scheduled timeframe.

“The government has spent billions of money to renovate the old building that was burnt down. We have also built another building with six floors, President Samia Suluhu Hassan approved 28.6bn/- and the hope is that as soon as the contractor hands over the project in August, this year, people will start using the structures,” she said.

Katimba wanted responsible leaders to ensure that there is fair distribution of stores once the market commences operation.

“We will monitor to ensure that distribution of stores to traders is conducted fairly, all traders who were here before should be considered the first, leaders at the market need to supervise this,” Katimba insisted.

Vice chairman of the committee, Justin Nyamoga hailed the government for the good work which is going to restore joy to thousands of traders in the country who incurred losses when the market was burnt.

He said apart from restoring joy to the traders, the market will also stimulate trade and economic development in the country.

He wanted the contractor and supervisors to ensure that the project is completed and opened on time.

“We want to see those who were once working in this market given priority when the new market commences,” he said.

Kariakoo is the nerve centre of all manner of commerce in Dar es Salaam. Under the concrete roof of the edifice are sellers of farming equipment and seeds; fresh meat and fish; home appliances; cereals and fresh farm produce from all corners of Tanzania.