Dodoma arena to cost 352bn/-

DODOMA: THE government has signed a 352bn/- contract with Italian firm SPAR for construction of an ultra-modern stadium in Dodoma, set to be completed within 24 months.

The 32,000-seater facility will be among key venues Tanzania is preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which it will cohost alongside Kenya and Uganda.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held in Nzuguni, Dodoma yesterday, Minister for Information, Education, Culture, Arts and Sports, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, said the Sixth Phase Government has prioritised the upgrading and expansion of sports infrastructure across the country, with major projects already underway.

“As we sign this contract today, I would like to inform you that the construction and rehabilitation of sports infrastructure in various parts of our country is progressing well.

The Arusha stadium is at 26 per cent completion, while renovation works at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium have reached 75 per cent,” he said.

He further stated that rehabilitation is ongoing at Uhuru Stadium and practice grounds, including Gymkhana, Law School, and Maj Gen Isamuhyo, all located in Dar es Salaam.

The Minister revealed that the government is also working on the construction of recreational centres in Dodoma and Dar es Salaam, alongside establishing a Sports Academy and hostels at the Sports Development College in Kwimba, Mwanza.

He noted that once completed, the Dodoma stadium will stand as one of the city’s most significant landmarks, alongside St Albans Anglican Cathedral (Mtungi), the Parliament Building and the recently completed Court of Appeal.

“This project marks another milestone for Dodoma. Once completed, it will not only be an iconic structure but also position the city as a hub for international sporting events,” Prof Kabudi stated.

To ensure the timely completion of the project, the government has also signed a contract with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, a Lebanon-based firm, to oversee the project.

The Minister emphasised the need for close cooperation in implementing the project, urging stakeholders to facilitate necessary infrastructure such as land permits, fire safety, environmental approvals, electricity, water, roads and communication services to avoid delays.

“Every stakeholder must be well-prepared so that we move forward together and fulfill the government’s vision of delivering a world-class stadium for the citizens,” he added.

Dodoma Urban MP who doubles as Minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for taking decisive action to ensure the project is implemented under direct government supervision after previous attempts involving private sector partnerships failed.

“We have waited a long time for this day. Initially, the project was planned with support from Morocco, then through the CSR of the Mwalimu Nyerere Dam project and later under an EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Finance) model. “None of those worked out.

The President saw the delays and made the bold decision for the government to fully fund and oversee the project,” he explained.

On his part, the docket’s Permanent Secretary Mr Gerson Msigwa said the people of Dodoma and the Central Zone have every reason to celebrate, as the project will revolutionise the sports sector while boosting economic growth and business activities in the region.

“The people of Dodoma and the Central Zone should take pride in this initiative, which will not only advance sports in the region but also stimulate economic activities, trade and income generation, ultimately improving service delivery for residents of Dodoma and neighbouring regions,” he said.

The facility is strategically situated in the Nanenane area along the Dodoma-Morogoro highway, ensuring visibility to travellers using the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network and the proposed ring roads that will run around the stadium.

This prime location will enhance accessibility and elevate the stadium’s prominence as a key landmark in Dodoma.