Hassan Magulumali
The Tanzania Police Force Marine Unit has launched the “Ongea na Kamanda” (Talk to the Commander) campaign at Feri Fish Market in Ilala District, Dar es Salaam, to strengthen police-community relations and address safety concerns raised by fishermen and traders.
The campaign was launched on October 12, 2026, providing an opportunity for residents, fishing communities and business operators to engage directly with police leaders, present their grievances and seek solutions to challenges affecting their daily activities.
Speaking during the launch, Marine Police Unit Commander Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Moshi N. Sokoro urged residents to take precautions against potential risks associated with El Niño-related heavy rainfall, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and collective action to prevent disasters.
He encouraged members of the public to remain alert to weather-related hazards, particularly flooding and other emergencies that could threaten lives, property and livelihoods. For fishing communities, he stressed the importance of taking safety precautions both at the market and when operating in the sea.
Sokoro also called on individuals possessing firearms illegally to surrender them to the relevant authorities, warning that unlawful possession of weapons could endanger individuals and the wider community.
He emphasized that cooperation between the police and citizens was essential to maintaining peace, security and social cohesion, urging residents to use the Ongea na Kamanda campaign to communicate their concerns, opinions and recommendations directly to law enforcement leaders.
The commander further encouraged fishermen to strengthen cooperation among themselves in their daily operations, noting that solidarity and responsible conduct were important in promoting safety at sea and responding effectively to emergencies.
Feri Fish Market Manager Selemani Abdalah Mfinanga welcomed the police initiative, thanking the Marine Police Unit for bringing the campaign to the market and creating a platform for dialogue between law enforcement officers and the fishing community.
Mfinanga said the engagement offered an important opportunity to identify challenges facing traders and fishermen and work with relevant stakeholders to find practical solutions.
He pledged that the concerns raised during the meeting would be followed up, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation between market leadership, fishermen, government authorities and other stakeholders to improve working conditions and safety.
During the discussion, fishermen highlighted several challenges requiring urgent attention, particularly those related to emergency preparedness, safety equipment and the protection of their livelihoods.
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One of their key requests was for a rescue boat to support emergency operations when accidents occur at sea. Such a facility could help improve response capabilities when fishermen encounter dangerous weather conditions, mechanical failures or other incidents requiring immediate assistance.
The fishermen also requested training on the proper use of life jackets and fire extinguishers. Safety equipment can be essential in preventing deaths and injuries, but its effectiveness depends on proper use, regular inspection and availability when emergencies arise.
They called for stronger coordination between fishermen and local leaders whenever maritime disasters occur, arguing that timely communication and organized rescue efforts are critical to protecting lives.
The fishermen also raised concerns about alleged mistreatment of smaller operators by larger fishermen, urging the relevant authorities to address the issue and promote fair treatment within the fishing sector.
In addition to maritime safety, participants appealed for improvements to the market’s infrastructure. They said some of the roofing iron sheets had deteriorated and needed replacement before the anticipated El Niño-related rains, warning that damaged structures could expose traders and their goods to adverse weather conditions.
Improving the market’s physical infrastructure would help create a safer working environment for fish traders and other people who depend on the facility for their livelihoods.
The concerns raised at Feri Fish Market highlight the close relationship between public safety, infrastructure and economic activity in coastal communities. Fishermen and fish traders depend on safe working conditions, reliable emergency response services and effective cooperation with authorities to sustain their businesses.
The Ongea na Kamanda campaign is designed to strengthen communication between police leaders and the public by providing a direct channel for reporting problems, sharing information and discussing local security priorities.
Its effectiveness will depend not only on listening to community concerns but also on the follow-up actions taken to address them. For the Feri fishing community, priorities include improved emergency response at sea, practical safety training, better market infrastructure and stronger protection for small-scale fishermen.
The engagement therefore provides an opportunity for police, market management and other relevant authorities to work together towards a safer environment, stronger community relations and more secure livelihoods for those who depend on fishing and fish trading in Dar es Salaam.
