Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Many shops in Dar es Salaam commercial city's busy Kariakoo business hub, remained closed on Monday, May 15, due to strike by traders calling for the removal of accumulated taxes and levies imposed onto them.
They claim that the Taxman,
Tanzania Revenue Authority and the Dar es Salaam City Council have imposed a
burden of taxes and levies that their business cannot sustain any longer.
The city Regional
Commissioner, Amos Makalla, arrived on the scene and urged traders to cease
striking and open their shops saying the authorities are working on their
matter.
However, his request for them
to meet the Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, in Dodoma to discuss the issues was
turned down by traders.
The businessmen argued that they
are paying enough taxes and cannot accept more.
They insisted that if the Prime
Minister wants to meet with them, he should go to Kariakoo and not otherwise;
keeping their shops closed.
During their meeting, the
traders said they wanted to meet President Samia Hassan to express their
concerns while insisting on continuing to close their shops.
One of the traders, whose name was not immediately identified said no trader is allowed to open his or her shop.
"Chairman, don't be
afraid; we are behind you; don't be afraid of anything we will keep shops
closed." He said during the meeting called by Kariakoo traders union’
chairman.
Unconfirmed reports says that
traders in other parts of the commercial city are also closing their business
to join the strike.
However, regardless of the
strike, no violence has been reported, as policemen were seen in various parts
of Kariakoo patrolling the area.
Kariakoo hosts an extensive
market, which is a major contribution to Dar es Salaam's economy. Also, foreigh
and local Tanzania traders dependent on the old market for the purchase of
retail and wholesale products, which include agricultural, veterinary, and
medicine, among others.
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