Majaliwa officially moves to Dodoma effective today

SIFA LUBASI in Dodoma

PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa

THE Prime Minister, Mr Kassim Majaliwa, will today shift to Dodoma officially as part of implementation of the government’s decision to move to the country’s capital.

In his keynote address to the CCM National Congress after he was elected the party’s National Chairman, President John Magufuli had told delegates that before the end of his first term in office, the entire government would have been moved from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma.

Dodoma Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Jordan Rugimbana, told reporters here yesterday that the premier is expected to arrive today afternoon. “This is the implementation of the promise he (Mr Majaliwa) made during National Heroes Day on July 25,” said the RC.

Mr Rugimbana told reporters that on Saturday, Mr Majaliwa will start a two-day official tour to inspect preparations for the Dodoma Municipality to assume its status as the new capital. “He will inspect buildings to house government offices, health facilities, the Mzakwe water source and the Dodoma and Industrial Area,” he said.

Mr Rugimbana hailed the premier on behalf the Dodoma regional authority over his decision to start implementing the decision by the Fifth Phase Government. In July, the government reiterated its intention to shift from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma with the Prime Minister, Mr Majaliwa, confirming that he will be the first to implement the presidential directive - come September.

Mr Majaliwa further said that immediately after he accomplishes his mission to move to Dodoma, all ministers and heads of foreign missions accredited to Tanzania would follow.

“In our campaign pledges last year, we said our government would deliver various opportunities to our people. This will be one of the opportunities. This is a challenge to businesspeople to build more hotels, lodges, guest houses and other essential structures,’’ he had added.

Addressing the nation on the occasion of the Heroes Day, President Magufuli said he was happy to see many people attending the occasion.

“Your presence here is an indicator that Dodoma is really our country’s capital. Dr Magufuli told his audience that it was not pleasing to see all Members of Parliament (MPs) in Dodoma while members of the Cabinet, that had less than 30 people, were staying in Dar es Salaam in contrast to Mwalimu’s dream to transfer all government business to Dodoma