THE Parliamentary standing committee for Land, Natural Resources and Tourism has given a nod to the on-going rehabilitation of the Arusha Declaration Museum.
Speaking on behalf of the committee here on Thursday, Kyerwa Member of Parliament Mr Innocent Bilakwate expressed satisfaction with the electrical maintenance and repairs at the museum whose exhibitions depict Pre – Colonial and Colonial history, struggle for independence, the formulation of the policy of self – reliance and the development of Tanzania after the Arusha Declaration.
“It is worth noting the ongoing rehabilitation undertaken at this facility, is very crucial in keeping our historical sites up to standards,” said the legislator, during the committee’s tour at the historical yet iconic building.
Mr Bilakwate said it was important for the museum to undergo some repairs after such a long time.
“These facilities provide a sense of community and place by celebrating a collective heritage, offering a great way to get to know the history of a particular area,” he said.
The renovations of the museum were made possible through the Covid-19 relief funds, the parliamentarian said.
Mr Bilakwate rallied fellow lawmakers to push for renovations of other museums across the country which he said were clearly in dilapidated conditions.
He insisted that the museums should be kept up and running throughout as they play a crucial role in preservation of culture.
The Museum’s Director Dr Gwakisa Kamatula, was optimistic that the ongoing repairs will restore the facility’s lost glory.
According to Dr Kamatula, the presence of an IT lab at the museum will lure more children and young people to visit the facility.
For his part, National Museum Board Chairman Dr Oswald Masebo thanked the parliamentary committee for visiting the facility, saying the gesture would reinvigorate and encourage the staff at the museum to do good work.
The Arusha declaration museum enables the public to understand a history of the Political Economy of Tanzania. It is also an important teaching aid for history, civics, general studies and political science subjects.
