Tanzania has invested Sh700 billion from domestic resources in the construction of the new Government City in Mtumba. President Samia Suluhu Hassan made the announcement during the official inauguration of Government City buildings and infrastructure in Mtumba. The project includes modern government offices, roads, and supporting infrastructure. It was implemented without borrowing from financial institutions, demonstrating the country's capacity to finance major development projects using domestic resources.
The Sh700 billion investment includes at least 28 government buildings and 59.1 kilometres of tarmac roads. This marks another milestone in the country's efforts to consolidate government operations in Dodoma, following the decision to relocate the capital from Dar es Salaam in 1973. President Hassan said the value of the investment should ultimately be measured by improvements in public services rather than the appearance of government buildings.
President Hassan urged public servants to demonstrate integrity, discipline, accountability, and commitment. She said the modern working environment should translate into better performance and services for citizens. The President also directed government institutions to integrate their information and communication technology systems to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and enable citizens to access services without making repeated visits to government offices.
The President instructed the Prime Minister's Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government to strengthen enforcement of the Dodoma Master Plan 2019–2039. This plan aims to prevent unregulated construction and encroachment on land reserved for public infrastructure. President Hassan also directed the Chief Secretary and permanent secretaries to ensure that designated green spaces within Government City were developed and maintained through tree planting and the establishment of forests between ministry buildings.
The government will continue investing in roads, clean water, healthcare, education, and reliable electricity to meet the needs of Dodoma's expanding population. President Hassan further directed the President's Office responsible for Planning and Investment to devise strategies for attracting private investors. She noted that public resources alone would not be sufficient to realise the city's full economic potential.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government, Prof Riziki Shemdoe, presented details of the infrastructure. The 59.1-kilometre road network includes 11.7 kilometres of dual carriageways and 36 kilometres of single carriageways. The project also features 52 bus stops, 59.1 kilometres of pedestrian walkways, and an equivalent length of cycling routes.
Angolan President João Lourenço, who attended the ceremony, outlined opportunities for strengthening economic relations between Tanzania and Angola. The two countries are exploring the possibility of establishing direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Luanda and connecting the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (Tazara) network with Angola's Benguela Railway. This aims to facilitate the movement of goods and people, strengthen regional integration, and improve access to international markets.
Key points
- Tanzania invested Sh700 billion from domestic resources in the construction of the new Government City in Mtumba.
- The project includes modern government offices, roads, and supporting infrastructure, and was implemented without borrowing from financial institutions.
- President Samia Suluhu Hassan urged public servants to demonstrate integrity, discipline, accountability, and commitment to improve performance and services for citizens.
