Mtumba model inspires DRC development plans
DODOMA: THE Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is looking to Tanzania’s experience in developing the Mtumba Government City as a model for improving government infrastructure and planning in its capital, Kinshasa.
DRC Prime Minister Judith Tuluka said this yesterday after touring the newly launched Mtumba Government City in Dodoma, where she witnessed Tanzania’s efforts to centralise government operations through modern administrative buildings and supporting infrastructure.
She said the experience gained from the visit would benefit her country, particularly in strengthening development plans and improving the construction of government infrastructure.
“We thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the cooperation she has shown us. We have learned from the model of building the Government City, and we too can use that experience to develop the city of Kinshasa,” she said.
Ms Tuluka described relations between Tanzania and the DRC as strategic and longstanding, noting that the two countries share strong historical ties and remain committed to working together for the benefit of their citizens.
She said the visit was part of efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation, adding that her country was ready to collaborate with Tanzania in areas where the two nations could offer mutual support.
During the visit, the DRC Premier also toured the site allocated for the construction of her country’s embassy in Tanzania, a move expected to further strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The DRC Minister for Infrastructure, John Lunda said Tanzania has made significant progress in infrastructure development, noting that the improvements were evident compared with his previous visit two years ago.
He commended the government for the hospitality and warm reception extended to the DRC delegation during its visit from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma.
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“Tanzania has strengthened itself in the infrastructure sector. I was in the country two years ago and I have seen it make great strides,” he said.
Mr Lunda said the DRC has started constructing a dry port as part of efforts to strengthen its transport systems and facilitate trade between the two countries.
He noted that Tanzania and the DRC have an opportunity to improve transport connectivity through Lake Tanganyika, which provides an important link for the movement of goods between the two countries.
He added that the DRC Premier has also led a delegation to visit the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), as his country continued with plans to develop a port to boost trade and transport links.
Mr Lunda further said the DRC is working to strengthen its diplomatic presence in Tanzania, including plans to establish a larger embassy.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Angellah Kairuki, reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to strengthening relations with the DRC, describing the two countries as longstanding partners.
She said Tanzania was ready to expand cooperation in different sectors to promote development, improve economic ties and build stronger economies. “Tanzania is a strategic country for the DRC, and whatever is within our capability, we are ready to cooperate,” she said.
