TZ writes history

IT was pomp and cheers on Saturday as Tanzanians witnessed an official inauguration of the state-of-the-art Chamwino State House in Dodoma.

It is about five decades since the first phase government under the administration of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere came up with the decision to shift the country’s Capital to Dodoma, but the dream remained elusive due to various factors including financial constraints.

Tanzanians can now walk with their heads high following the realisation of the dream after an official inauguration of what was the much- eagerly awaited State House building. The project was fully funded and implemented by Tanzanians.

The structures were designed and built with the collaboration of Tanzanian experts from the Tanzania Building Agency and National Service Corporation Sole SUMA (JKT).

The architectural designs of the structures of Chamwino State House resemble those at the Magogoni State House in Dar es Salaam which were built during the colonial era.

The state-of-the art buildings are built on a 8,473 –acre land with a 27- kilometre wall fence securing the area. It has various attractions including wild animals.

The completion of the buildings marks the official shifting of the government offices to Dodoma.

President Samia arrived at Tembo roundabout at around 10.00 am and was received by cheer groups before inspecting the guard of honour mounted by the Police Force after which she proceeded to the dais to receive the salute.

She received the presidential salute as the National and East African Community anthems were played before she inspected the special parade.

President Samia planted a memorial tree at Chamwino State House which is a replica of the Magogoni structure built during colonial era in Dar es Salaam. The Chamwino State House-a single storey structure- has a basement floor, an aspect that differentiates it from the State House in Dar es Salaam.

Accompanied by Vice-President, Dr Philip Mpango and Former Presidents Dr Jakaya Kikwete and Ali Hassan Mwinyi and other national leaders, Dr Samia unveiled the plaque before witnessing the national and the EAC flags being hoisted at full mast as the National Anthem and that of EAC bloc being played.

The ribbon was cut to officially open the State House building with a special traditional drum beat accompanying the act, symbolising the entering of a nation into the new office.

The doors were opened as President Samia entered the new State House accompanied by other national leaders. She then made a tour of the structures before driving to the main stage for official speech and fanfare to celebrate the occasion.

Speaking during the event, Tanzania Buildings Agency (TBA) Chief Executive Officer Daudi Kondoro said the designs took into consideration the features of Magogoni State House structures, taking into account the nature of the site, position, visibility orientation and geotechnical soil investigation for a standard structures.

The buildings have been constructed on a 9,399- square metre area divided into six blocks that are inter-connected with a corridor, save Block A which has a basement.

In May 2020, the fifth phase President, the late John Magufuli led his predecessors in laying the foundation stone for the construction of the office and administration blocks of the Chamwino State House.

Mama Maria Nyerere, widow of the founding father, President Julius Nyerere, represented   Mwalimu Nyerere at the ceremonial event by cutting the ribbon and mixing concrete, symbolising the official beginning of the construction work of the spectacular structure.

Majority of people interviewed commended Dr Samia for the completion of the office building. They said the step demonstrates the government commitment to shift to Dodoma.

Former Prime Minister, John Malecela said the completion of Chamwino State House and the grand opening of the office structure is the realisation of the dream of Mwalimu Nyerere to make Dodoma a seat of the government.

He said with the upcoming construction of the Msalato International airport, most of the government operations will be in Dodoma.

“I am happy to witness the Chamwino State House opening, I believe more good days are coming and the Dodoma  residents must be able to explore the opportunities that emerge with the relocation of government headquarters,” said Mr Malecela.

Chairperson of the Tanzania Chiefs, Ms Antonia Shangalali said the opening of the office in Chamwino will now help in bringing government services closer to people, improving further their well-being.

“The long time dream has today been realised, we are celebrating the inauguration of the Chamwino State House. This demonstrates President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to transform the country, we must accord her full support,” she said.

She said the public must pray for President Dr Samia’s  good health and her well-being so that she may complete her predecessor’s projects, including starting new ones.