Tanzania’s President vows to move to new capital in 2018

President John Magufuli has said on Tuesday that he will move his office to Dodoma by next year, 2018.

Dr Magufuli made the statement while addressing members of the Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania (Alat) at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in the city.

He said that already Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has moved his office to the new capital alongside several ministers and over 3000 civil servants. He added that the Vice President is expected to follow suit later in the year.

“It’s high time to implement our leaders’ decisions,” said President Magufuli in reference to the 1973 decision by the Founding Father Mwalimu Julius Nyerere to move the country’s capital to Dodoma.

“That’s why I commend the chairman of Alat for moving as your headquarters to Dodoma, it’s compulsory that the promise made by our Founding Father be implemented,” said Dr Magufuli as members positively received the remarks.

Among other things, Dr Magufuli urged Alat members, including councilors, mayors and directors of municipals to work in compliance with ethics so that the dream of better and prosperous Tanzania can be realized for the betterment of both present and coming generations.

He also put on notice four district executive directors for excessive drinking. He, however, did not name them but urged them to stop the behaviour.