Dar es Salaam city traders go on strike over unbearable taxes and levies

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.

Traders displaying their grievances during meeting with Regional Commissioner, calling for the 'president to intervene', other calling for 'Trade Freedom', 'You have sent away our foreign clients' etc  

"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.