Coco beach not for sale, it belongs to people, says PM

DAR ES SALAAM: PRIME Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, (pictured) has issued a definitive clarification regarding the future of Coco Beach in Dar es Salaam stressing that the iconic shoreline will not be sold to any investor and will remain a public asset.

He made the assurance yesterday during a visit to Coco Beach in Dar es Salaam, where he engaged with small business owners operating in the area and listened t o their concerns. “Coco Beach will not be sold. First, let me put your fears to rest.

It is not for sale and there is no investor other than you, the local residents. No one will issue instructions beyond what has already been set by His Excellency the President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan. This place is not for sale,” he stressed.

His visit follows weeks of speculation regarding potential redevelopment plans for the prime real estate in the Kinondoni municipality.

Dr Nchemba also said that the government will continue to implement the directives of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, ensuring that Tanzanians benefit from the improvements taking place in the area.

“We, the president’s aides, will continue working to deliver what our president has promised to the people,” he said.

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In another development, Dr Nchemba urged officials from the Kinondoni Municipal Council including the District Commissioner, the Council Director, the Trade Officer and other staff, to change their approach by engaging directly with citizens rather than waiting for them in offices.

“I am directing the District Commissioner, the Director, the Trade Officer and other officials not to stay in offices. Go out and speak directly with the citizens where they are, addressing the issues that concern them,” he stressed.

Furthermore, Dr Nchemba encouraged entrepreneurs in Coco Beach area to support the government’s ongoing improvements, saying that the opportunities created by these upgrades will benefit them directly.

In 2018, the fifth phase President late John Magufuli also made it clear that Coco Beach should not be sold or privatised, urged authorities to respect its status as a public area and called out the lack of basic services despite its frequent use by citizens.

He directed that Coco Beach should remain open for the public insisted that the beach must be kept for Tanzanians to enjoy freely.

This was in response to disputes over plans to develop or lease the area and it led a private developer to withdraw from the ownership controversy.

He criticised the state of facilities at Coco Beach, saying despite daily revenue collection from parking and other activities, basic facilities such as toilets were lacking