DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 18 -- LET us be honest: some of our roads have become obstacle courses.

Not because of potholes, but because of hawkers and petty traders who seem to have declared independence from the market stalls and decided the middle of the road is a better business plan.

It is entrepreneurial spirit, yes just misdirected onto the pavement and every inch of available (and unavailable) roadside. Dear hawkers, we love your energy. We respect your hustle.

We understand you are trying to earn an honest living. But does your stall really need to be hugging the tarmac, where motorists drive?

When pedestrians have to take detours into oncoming traffic just to avoid stepping on tomatoes or socks-for-sale, we are no longer doing comme...