Joseph Isangura
A raging fire has destroyed at least 32 shops at Temeke Stereo Market, one of the busiest open-air trading hubs in Dar es Salaam, leaving many traders in despair and raising fresh questions about safety in Tanzania’s informal economy.
The fire broke out just after 11 p.m. on Friday night, catching many traders off guard. It took firefighters from the Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force more than three hours to bring the situation under control.
Eyewitnesses Describe Panic and Loss
Vendors who operate in the market said they first saw smoke coming from the rear side of the market before flames quickly spread through the wooden and metal stalls.
“We saw smoke and ran toward it, but within minutes, fire was everywhere,” said Rashidi Juma, a shop owner who lost all his electronics. “The goods were so close together, and most were flammable—plastic, clothes, oil. It went up like paper.”
Traders and residents joined forces with firefighters, using buckets and hoses in desperate attempts to save what they could.
Possible Electrical Fault Behind Blaze
Although no official conclusion has been released, early suspicions point to a possible short circuit from outdated or overloaded power lines. Most open markets in Tanzania, including Temeke Stereo, rely on informal and unsafe electrical setups that are rarely inspected.
The Temeke Municipal Council has initiated an investigation into the incident, and engineers from the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) are expected to assess the scene.
“This could have been prevented,” said Zainabu Ally, another affected trader. “We’ve complained before about hanging wires and sparks. But nothing was done.”
Authorities Respond, Traders Demand Action
The District Commissioner of Temeke visited the site early Saturday morning and assured victims that the government will offer support, including temporary shelter and access to capital for rebuilding.
The commissioner emphasized the importance of improving market infrastructure and stated that new safety guidelines for public markets would soon be introduced.
“We are treating this not just as an isolated event, but as a wake-up call,” he said. “Temeke Stereo will be rebuilt, and it will be safer than before.”
Fire Safety Concerns in Tanzania’s Markets
Temeke Stereo is not the first marketplace in Tanzania to suffer a major fire. In recent years, similar disasters have occurred at Kariakoo Market, Mbagala Market, and Buguruni Market, mostly due to poor urban planning and inadequate safety systems.
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Experts are calling for a comprehensive urban safety reform, including:
- Mandatory fire extinguishers and smoke detectors
- Regular inspections by fire safety experts
- Clear and well-marked emergency exits
- Training for traders on handling fire emergencies
The Human Toll
Traders say the destruction has left them financially and emotionally drained. Most do not have insurance and depend entirely on daily sales for survival.
“My children depend on this business. I don’t even know how I’ll pay their school fees this month,” said Fatuma Maganga, who sells school uniforms. Her stall was reduced to ash.
While recovery plans are underway, urban planners and market leaders are urging the government to use this tragedy as a catalyst for long-overdue reforms in public market safety.
