President Samia Suluhu Hassan has opened ministry and institutional buildings, asphalt roads and key infrastructure at the Government City in Mtumba, Dodoma. The state-owned Daily News reported the ceremony on October 30. It called the opening a major step in moving government operations to the capital.
According to The Citizen, Samia said Tanzania spent Sh700 billion of its own funds on the Government City. Daily News reported that she described the domestic financing as proof the country can pay for its own development. Kenya's Tuko News put the project's value at KSh 34 billion.
Samia said the government chose Dodoma because of its central location, which makes it reachable for citizens from all regions. The project includes permanent multi-storey offices, modern roads and supporting infrastructure for ministries. She said digital systems in the new buildings would link government offices and cut red tape. Citizens would no longer have to submit the same information to several offices.
The President ordered officials to protect green spaces and keep the city clean. She directed ministries to enforce the Dodoma City Master Plan for 2019-2032. She warned against unplanned building on road reserves, open spaces and areas set aside for public services. She also called for reliable electricity, clean water, healthcare and education in the capital. She told the Ministry responsible for Planning and Investment to attract investors and promote public-private partnerships.
The President of Angola attended the ceremony, along with other leaders and officials, Daily News reported. Samia urged public servants in the new offices to work with greater commitment and efficiency.
The project is already drawing interest in property, according to a Daily News report on November 1. Residents and investors told the paper they expect land values around Mtumba to rise. Advocate Stephen Msechu, managing director of Steady Estate Ltd and a Mtumba resident, said the project would transform Dodoma and open new investment opportunities.