See CDA for land needs in Dodoma, investors told

URBAN EPIMARK in Dodoma

Dodoma

INVESTORS seeking to invest in the national capitaldesignate, Dodoma, must consult the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to be allocated land according to the nature of their investment.

Already, there are areas allocated by the CDA for various investment purposes, including land for the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in the Zuzu sub-town area.
Speaking during a meeting organised by the Tanzania Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA), Dodoma regional office, over the weekend, the District Commissioner, Ms Christina Mndeme, said CDA has also allocated land for dry ports and ultramodern Dodoma Bus Stand in Ihumwa area.
She added that CDA is also establishing a one-stop centre aimed at increasing efficiency and minimising bureaucracy for investors seeking to invest in the designated capital city.
Ms Mndeme explained that the current infrastructure in the health sector is enough to provide services for the envisaged population,citing the Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital and the ultra-modern Benjamin Mkapa Hospital.
She said that two new secondary schools will be built at Viwandani area as soon as the Dodoma Municipal Council and Chamwino District Council relocate to their new offices.
The DC added that some secondary and primary schools will have two sessions -- morning and afternoon; to accommodate the large number of pupils and students who will be transferring to the designated capital.
Dodoma, according to the DC, plans to construct a commercial centre that will rival the one in Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam, where traders from all parts of the country will be buying their commodities, instead of travelling all the way to Dar es Salaam.
The dry port, to be located at Ihumwa, will be linked with the Dar es Salaam Port through the 2,19-km standard Gauge railway, whose construction is expected to begin in December and last for three years.
Once completed, the standard gauge railway line will spur economic growth within the country’s regions and other neighbouring countries. The DC said long haul trucks will not have to travel to Dar es Salaam to haul cargo but will collect it from Dodoma, a move that will save time and increase efficiency at the Dar es Salaam Port. Other plans include construction of modern Bus Stand for regional buses adjacent to Tazo Nzuguni area.
“These projects will need a lot of investments and we are seeking local and international investors to enter into partnership and develop some of the projects,” she explained, urging TCCIA members to seize the opportunities and invest in Dodoma.
Earlier in his welcoming remarks, Regional TCCIA Chairman Deus Nyabiri said the chambers needed to be familiar with the Dodoma development plans by the government so that the members can identify areas for investment.
He added that TCCIA members also need to know how the private sector will be involved in the whole process of government shifting from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma and whether the government will allow tax holiday for investors who will invest in the designated capital city.
The TCCIA members from Dodoma, however, faulted the CDA for not providing basic infrastructure such as water, roads and electricity services to areas that are already planned for residencies and factories.