Joseph Isangura
Traders operating on Ally Maua A Street, located in Kijitonyama, Dar Es Salaam, have called upon the government to intervene and lower the high costs associated with business signage.
The traders argue that the current fees for advertising boards have become unsustainable, especially when compared to the scale of their operations and the turnover they generate.
A number of small business owners in the area expressed concerns that these rising signage fees are putting unnecessary financial pressure on their already tight budgets. “Our daily earnings are barely enough to cover operational costs, and the signage fees are making it even harder for us to stay afloat,” one local shopkeeper shared.
The signage fees, which are regulated by local government authorities, have been described as disproportionate to the economic realities faced by traders, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The traders also emphasized that these costs were difficult to bear amid the economic challenges of post-pandemic recovery, inflation, and fluctuating consumer demand.
In addition to calling for fee reductions, the traders also proposed that local authorities review the entire structure governing business signage, including its pricing and enforcement. “We’re not asking for a complete waiver,” another trader remarked, “but a reasonable fee structure that reflects our business realities.”
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This request comes at a time when other businesses across Dar es Salaam, and especially in districts such as Kinondoni, have raised similar concerns regarding fees for various business permits and operational licenses. The traders worry that without relief, some may have to shut down their operations entirely.
As the plea reaches government offices, traders are hopeful that the authorities will take action to reduce the burden and create a more conducive environment for small businesses to thrive. Such changes could potentially spur more investment in the sector and allow businesses in Kijitonyama to expand and flourish, contributing positively to the local economy.
