Joseph Isangura
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has issued a firm directive, giving social welfare officers one week to remove beggars, street children, and their mothers from the streets and relocate them to government shelters.
Chalamila stressed that anyone who refuses to stay in the designated shelters will face legal consequences, as the government is prepared to provide for their well-being.
He made the announcement while distributing Eid al-Fitr gifts to various groups, including children living in shelters, people with disabilities from Yombo, elderly residents from Nunge, juvenile detainees, and other community members.
“We have seen a rise in the number of children living on the streets, and the government has built shelters to accommodate them,” Chalamila stated. “Any child found roaming the streets late at night, along with their mother, should be taken to these centers.”
This directive aligns with previous initiatives aimed at reducing street begging in Dar es Salaam. Local authorities, including the Ilala Municipal Council, have previously conducted operations to clear beggars from the streets. Recent regulations have strengthened enforcement, introducing fines and possible jail time for those caught begging.
The issue of street children has been a long-standing challenge in the city. Many factors, including family breakdowns, abuse, and economic hardships, contribute to children ending up on the streets.
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However, there has been a notable decline in the number of street children over the past four years, partly due to initiatives such as free education and programs to reunite children with their families.
While the government’s commitment to addressing this issue is clear, the long-term success of these efforts will depend on how well the shelters are managed and whether they provide proper care, education, and opportunities for rehabilitation.
Authorities hope that by ensuring children and vulnerable individuals receive the necessary support, they can prevent more people from returning to the streets. As the initiative unfolds, many will be watching to see how effectively the government handles the transition and whether it leads to meaningful change for those affected.
