SOME traders in Dar es Salaam’s new Kariakoo Market have started doing businesses for 24 hours with plans afoot to extend operation to all five districts of the region.

Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, announced this in the city yesterday when speaking to reporters at Kariakoo Market.

He said that for three days starting yesterday until Thursday, businesses would be conducted 24 hours a day in the city with Kariakoo being the crucial area.

Chalamila said experience shows that developed countries operate businesses 24 hours a day in order to increase employment opportunities for youth and to collect government revenue through taxation.

He said Dar es Salaam Region is a business hub and by enabling 24-hour business operations, it will help the youth who engage in self-employment opportunities while also boosting tax revenue for the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).

He assured traders of adequate security, emphasising that they should not worry as Dar es Salaam is very safe. He noted that security infrastructure continues to be strengthened, including the installation of lights and security cameras in the streets.

Chalamila added that after the launch, he plans to form a committee led by Dar es Salaam Regional Administrative Secretary, Dr Toba Nguvila to review municipal by-laws that may conflict with 24-hour business operations.

"I thank traders who have responded to the call to operate businesses 24 hours a day. Many citizens have commended the initiative and praised the decision, saying it will benefit them economically," he said.

He said he had spoken with Kariakoo traders’ community leader Serevin Mushi to explore ways of providing loans to the youth who want to start businesses but lack capital.

He explained that the procedure will be established whereby the youth will receive startup capital ranging from 1m/-, guaranteed by leaders and his office to enable beneficiaries engage in various business opportunities.

"If we do this and support motivated youth with capital, we will help many young people to start businesses," he said.

Chalamila also said the process of installing security lights in Dar es Salaam was progressing well and once the contractor is appointed, the installation of security cameras will also begin soon.