Addressing a rally in Sengerema District, the President said no trader should be removed from the streets without a 90-day notice. He also ordered the officials to find alternative locations for the traders before evicting them.
President John Magufuli fell short of labelling the removal of petty traders from streets inhuman, as he ordered Mwanza City Council officials to stop the evictions on Wednesday.
Addressing a rally in Sengerema District, the President said no trader should be removed from the streets without a 90-day notice. He also ordered the officials to find alternative locations for the traders before evicting them.
“Petty traders are human beings, whose families depend on them,” said President Magufuli who was on his way to the city from his home in Chato District.
“Authorities shouldn’t chase petty traders away from towns before allocating them alternative areas.”
The President repeated his directive on Thursday while addressing a rally at the Furahisha Grounds in Mwanza City.
“No one is leaving (the streets). I want everyone to do business. But I want traders who pay their dues. We need money to buy medicine, and provide social services,” he said.
Turning to the street vendors, the President told them to give their customers receipts after each purchase. He warned them of arrests if they fail to do so.
Mwanza District Executive Director Hosiana Kusiga said the council had set aside Sh200 million to facilitate the relocation of petty traders. He said the process would be conducted two weeks from August 20.
