RESIDENTS of Manyara Region have expressed concern over the rising cost of school outfits for primary and secondary schools.

In separate interviews yesterday, the residents reported that traders had raised the prices of school uniforms and shoes.

A resident of Mirerani township in Simanjiro District, Maulid Juma, stated that some traders are taking advantage of the back-to-school season to boost their profits.

Juma said that last year, he bought shoes for 10,000/-, but now the price ranges from 15,000/- to 20,000/-.

Another resident, Enoti Philipo, mentioned that traders’ greed is driving up the prices of the  goods, causing inconveniences among the public.

He said that traders should understand that raising the prices of school uniforms and shoes is not a good practice.

A resident from Babati town, Nurdin Salmin, noted that the cost of school supplies had increased significantly compared to last year.

“School bags are now priced from 30,000/-, and also school uniforms for both primary and secondary students, along with notebooks, have become more expensive,” Salmin said.

A uniform trader from Mirerani township in Simanjiro District, Elias Jacob, explained that the prices have not increased significantly, as they are selling secondary school trousers for 20,000/- and shorts for 10,000/-.

“The price of secondary school shirts is 10,000/-, and for primary schools, it’s also 10,000/-. Shoes sell at 15,000/-,” Jacob said.

He clarified that this year the prices are similar to last year, with only a slight increase, if any.