Fresh directives for Dodoma

THE Prime Minister, Mr Kassim Majaliwa, has directed the Dodoma Regional Commissioner’s Office and Capital Development Authority (CDA) to submit to him within two weeks a preliminary proposal on how they will execute the programme of the government to shift from Dar es Salaam to the new capitaldesignate – Dodoma.

In addition to that, the government will table a bill expressing its intention to move the capital to Dodoma at the next parliamentary session in September.

Mr Majaliwa issued the directive yesterday when he met with various societal leaders in Dodoma to clarify the announcement made by President John Magufuli on the renewed intention of the government to shift from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma at the CCM Special National Congress,which was held in the new capital-designate last week.

He assured his audience that President Magufuli’s directive on the government’s transfer to Dodoma was real and true and that everyone should get prepared. The Premier observed that Dodoma had enough facilities and infrastructure that will enable smooth implementation of the exercise for which the government has made a firm commitment.

He mentioned existing facilities and services such as buildings, roads, water and electricity, saying they provided a solid foundation for the absorption of staff to be involved in the capital shift.

Mr Majaliwa tasked CDA and Dodoma Municipal Council to prepare architectural and planning designs for new settlements and government offices as well as commercial and residential areas to accommodate all groups.

The Premier cautioned the two authorities to take every precaution to avoid mistakes done by other cities like Dar es Salaam, Mwanza and Arusha whereby executives failed to make proper city plans and caused congestion.

Meanwhile, the private sector here, including entrepreneurial groups, hotels and guest house owners submitted to the prime minister a request for tax holidays for people and firms who would like to invest in Dodoma.

Presenting the request on behalf of others, Mr Haruna Chavuma noted that such relief/waiver will speed up the rate of investment in Dodoma and change the general outlook of the designated capital city.

He also asked the government to take it up with financial institutions, including banks, to offer reasonable interest to people who will seek financial support, including loans.

Dodoma Regional Commissioner Jordan Rugimbana assured Mr Majaliwa that he has heard all the directives issued by the prime minister and that he is ready to work for them and ready to submit a preliminary proposal within 10 days -- four days before the deadline.

In another development, CDA has asked for 12 months to fully complete the job. The state-run authority said the 20- year National Capital Master Plan endorsed in 2010 provided enough breathing space for the investors, business community, international and government agencies to set up their businesses in the semi-arid region.

CDA Director General, Mr Paskasi Muragili, told the ‘Daily News’ over the phone from Dodoma yesterday that “the authority is well prepared and it will only need one year to fully complete the pending task.” The task, according to the DG, includes distribution of social services, water, electricity and roads to meet the demands.

“Relocation of the capital city is not atypical,” he said, adding: “In our case the plans started in 1973.” Shortly after President Magufuli and Mr Majaliwa officially declared their intention to relocate to Dodoma, there has been a fresh demand and rush among the public and private sector to look for plots in the Capital City District.

Without going deep into detail, Mr Muragili said many government agencies had knocked at his door in the quest for land to establish their offices. However, CDA is happy that over 85 per cent of the Capital City District is surveyed and mapped.

The initiative by the authority has also been well lauded by analysts who went on to note that Dar es Salaam is nowhere in fully implementing the city’s master plan. As part of plans to decongest the new capital city designate, the authority had identified Hombolo, Mpunguzi and Nala as expected satellite towns.

The towns will be able to offer similar social services; banking service, hotels, schools, hospitals, transports and markets available in the city centre. National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figures show there were 2.084 million people in Dodoma as of 2012 -- lower than the 4.364 million people in Dar es Salaam.

Critics said the government should meanwhile speed up the construction of infrastructures, especially airport and railway to foster the region’s growth. Speaking at the CCM National Congress, President Magufuli said he will relocate his office to Dodoma before the end of his five-year term of office.