Why new State House built in Chamwino

FORMER President Jakaya Kikwete has revealed that  the decision to build the new State House in Chamwino District was made during the administration of the fourth  phase government.

He said, initially the building was meant to be built in the Chimwaga area but he changed the plan, and instead used the land for construction of the University of Dodoma.

Speaking on Saturday at the launch of Chamwino State House, Dr Kikwete who led the country from 2005 to 2015 said the Chimwaga area was also meant to host the government headquarters for Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

“It was during my administration when we made the decision for construction of the offices and residence of the President here in Chamwino,” he revealed.

He said the decision to build the State House in Chamwino was criticised by some government officials on grounds that Chamwino is in the outskirts of Dodoma, but he remained firm on his decision.

“There was debate from some of the officials, but I maintained my stand, asking them to take a lesson from Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia where there is a purely government city hosting all ministerial offices and the State House,” explained Dr Kikwete.

He acknowledged the role-played by his successor the late Dr John Magufuli who fast tracked construction of government and ministerial offices in Dodoma as well as initiating the construction of the State House.

The former Head of State noted that all administrations played a role in   moving government operations to Dodoma.

“All phases have a role that made possible the achievements that we are seeing today,” he said, noting that the completion of the projects fulfills the dreams and vision of the founding Father of the Nation, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

He asked Tanzanians to remain proud of their country since the implementation of these projects has been done under full funding from the government with construction being done by   local contractors.

“I’m so happy that today, we have written a history by using a gold ink, it’s not a small thing to build our own State House by using government’s fund and local technicians,” he said commending President Samia Suluhu Hassan for  completing the project as well as  being creative in coming up with new ones.