Dar, Dodoma forge links to spearhead capital transfer

URBAN EPIMARK in Dodoma

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Tulia Ackson, speaks at a special leadership meeting between Regional Commissioners of Dodoma and Dar es Salaam to forge partnership on the transfer of the national capital. Second right is Dodoma District Commissioner, Ms Christina Mndeme, Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander, Mr Simon Sirro, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Mr Paul Makonda and Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Mr Jordan Rugimbana.(Photo by Our Correspondent)

DAR ES SALAAM and Dodoma Regional Commissioners, Mr Paul Makonda and Jordan Rugimbana have agreed in principle to forge partnership to smoothen the transfer of the capital to the heart of the country.

The two leaders agreed that religious leaders would be involved to take an active role in mobilising their followers towards understanding the essence of the capital transfer declared 43 years ago by the ruling Chama Chama Cha Mapinduzi National Executive Committee.

At a special meeting held here yesterday, Rugimbana said the partnership will be a key instrument towards the implementation of shifting the seat of the government from the fast-growing Dar es Salaam City to the sparsely populated future capital of Dodoma.

He said because of the expected influx of people in Dodoma there are security challenges which need to be solved through cooperation between the two regions.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr Tulia Ackson, Dodoma Regional Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Lazaro Mambosasa and Dar es Salaam Police Special Zone Commander, Simon Sirro, together with religious leaders. Dar Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda said doors were open for both parties to exchange experiences on how to manage a burgeoning city.

He appreciated efforts taken by his Dodoma counterpart in ensuring that Dodoma becomes hospitable as a safe haven. He appealed to the Capital Development Authority to provide allocate special areas for investors who push the rapid growth of the Dodoma.

Giving her views Dr Tulia also appealed to all parties to work together to ensure the transfer of the capital, hitherto a dream becomes a reality.