Chadema MP Defends Hawkers

 Hawkers-better known as machinga- have very few sympathisers and whenever they complain to the municipal authorities they are reminded that they operate illegally.

Moshi Urban MP (Chadema) Jaffari Michael has come to the defence of machinga in Moshi saying they operate within the confines of the law, as bona fide Tanzanians eking out a living.

“I do not buy this idea that hawkers are operating illegally,” he pointed out during a meeting with them in the municipality recently.

The opposition politician said instead of them being chased off the streets, the municipal authorities should seek a conducive environment for them.

Mr Michael admitted that, “These people are conducting business legally. The country’s Constitution says everybody has a right to earn a living provided the means are legal,” he said, challenging civic leaders to seek better ways of managing the petty traders.

He said Chadema was ready to offer solutions on how to work better with the informal business persons and it would not the use force to evict them as the practice was demeaning.From Moshi Region