THE government has begun installing security lights and cameras in various parts of Dar es Salaam city to enhance security and enable businesses to operate 24 hours a day where relevant.

Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila described this move yesterday while embarking on a five-day night tour in the city to inspect the progress of this project and several others.

He visited construction sites of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT III), being readied to run from the city center Posts Station to Gongo la Mboto, as well as locations like Azania and Jangwani secondary schools, plus the Kariakoo Market.

Numerous locations will be equipped with lights and security cameras to identify anyone committing a crime, allowing for swift legal action as a deterrent to others, he stated.

He recalled a foreign visit lately where a woman’s wallet was stolen, and after seven hours she was contacted, shown the thief, and her wallet was returned. “Now, ask yourself, if someone steals a wallet here in Kariakoo, would it be found that easily?" "That’s why we want to beautify the city of Dar es Salaam by installing lights and security cameras so that visitors from other regions immediately recognize they’ve arrived in Dar es Salaam. There’s a company with the ability to install these lights, and if you are satisfied with their work, give them the tender," he directed.

The city’s municipalities have already begun installing lights in some areas, in which case the work needs to be completed swiftly to ensure that traders can operate safely and confidently, he stated.

Kariakoo Market renovation, costing 28bn/-, is well over 90 per cent complete, with the list of traders set to occupy market slots being reviewed for the third phase, he said, indicating that once verification is done, the names will be entered into the market management system .

This will be done in collaboration with the Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Governments to expedite the opening and start of operations at the market, he specified.

He praised the National Housing Corporation (NHC) for its decision to demolish old buildings and partner with private investors to construct buildings with more than ten floors for residential and commercial use.

High-rise buildings modernize the central business district, providing more space for tenants than the current outdated structures. The new buildings will include shops and residences, making it easier for traders from other regions and abroad to find temporary accommodation while collecting their goods, he said.

“Buses are currently operating 24 hours a day plying routes to various regions. The question is, where will passengers go when they arrive, especially those coming to pick up goods in Kariakoo?’ he quizzed.

He cited remarks from President Samia Suluhu Hassan who mentioned that since bus routes, flights and the standard gauge railway (SGR) are operational 24/7, it is vital that Kariakoo operates around the clock.

Ilala mayor Omar Kumbilamoto said that the council would approve plans to improve the city by installing security cameras and lights for immediate implementation.

He expressed satisfaction with the government for providing 28bn/- for the renovation of Kariakoo Market after it was engulfed in fire, as well as 100m/- to build temporary quarters for traders affected by the incident.