Joseph Isangura
The fire that tore through Kawe Market in Dar es Salaam on the night of September 15 left behind more than ashes—it left hundreds of families uncertain about their tomorrow.
Traders stood helplessly as stalls and goods worth millions went up in flames, their livelihoods reduced to rubble in a matter of hours.
By the following morning, Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila walked through the charred ruins. He came not only to witness the devastation but also to assure traders that they were not alone. Speaking on behalf of the government, Chalamila announced an immediate relief package of TZS 100 million. The funds, he said, would be distributed among the affected vendors as a first step toward helping them get back on their feet.
“We cannot replace everything you have lost overnight,” Chalamila told a gathering of stunned business owners, “but we can stand with you. The government will rebuild this market with quality and speed, so life and trade can resume.”
In the meantime, traders will be relocated to the Tanganyika Packers grounds, a temporary measure that allows recovery work to begin. The commissioner also ordered that accurate data of all traders be compiled—not just in Kawe, but across other municipal markets—to ensure better planning in times of crisis.
The destruction has been described as total. Traders reported losing everything from clothing and food stocks to electronics. Without insurance, few had any financial safety net to rely on. Some also lamented opportunistic thefts that occurred amid the chaos, leaving them feeling doubly victimized.
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Local leaders of the traders’ association welcomed the relief fund, though they stressed the need for long-term solutions, including better infrastructure, fire safety systems, and access to credit. Community elders have also called on religious groups, donors, and well-wishers to support recovery efforts.
A committee has now been formed to investigate the exact cause of the blaze. Many suspect faulty electrical wiring, though others point to the risk of open flames used in cooking stalls. Whatever the outcome, officials say lessons must be drawn to protect other markets across Dar es Salaam from similar disasters.
As the smoke clears, what remains is a strong resolve. The traders of Kawe Market may have lost their stalls, but they have not lost hope. With government support, community solidarity, and proper planning, the market could rise again—not as a patchwork of wooden stalls, but as a safer, modern trading hub ready to serve thousands.
