EDITORIAL: Shifting government seat to Dodoma must be smooth

At long last, there seems to be seriousness in the government’s plan to shift its seat from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. President John Magufuli’s firm statement that his government would be fully operational in Dodoma within the next four years plus Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa assertion that he would formally move to the designated capital in September, leaves little doubt over the government’s resolve in the matter.

However, as we hail the move, we must hastily ask the government and all those involved in the shift, to make it as smooth as possible. The Dodoma plan should be executed in such a way that it doesn’t result in chaos which could derail the well-meant exercise.

Let us not entertain excuses from officials who have a stake at sticking to Dar es Salaam. Those who will be seen as an obstacle should be asked to step aside and let the dedicated ones handle the Dodoma capital project.

But then, it must be acknowledged that, despite the desire to leave Dar es Salaam, the fact remains that Dodoma is still ill-equipped to accommodate the government and other bodies which will of necessity move to be close to where the government sits.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) in its current standing doesn’t have the infrastructural and logistical capacity to manage the shift, which means, there will be a need to bring in other agencies into play.

Dodoma residents should also be prepared for imminent changes—which will be quite drastic. Since the municipality is set to be a big cosmopolitan, the residents here should be educated and socialised into how they can fit in the new set-up and benefit.

Their safety, security and socio-economic gains must be guaranteed and shouldn’t be chased away. As hosts, they deserve to enjoy the benefits of being the original residents of the new capital.