Magufuli graces launch of state-of-art library

Dar es Salaam. President John Magufuli has officiated a $41. 28 million (over Sh90 billion) worth library at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) whose construction was completed in July 2018.

The event to launch the largest library that China has ever built in Africa was held on Tuesday, November 27, 2018.

Speaking earlier at the ceremony, UDSM vice chancellor William Anangisye said the construction of the library, which was funded by the Chinese government, kicked off in December 2015.

Prof Anangisye said the state-of-art library, which covers 20,000 square meter area, can accommodate 2,100 students at once.

It also has 160 internet- connected computers.

Furthermore, the UDSM don said, the library has a conference room that can accommodate 600 people at once.

Prof Anangisye said some Sh1.78 billion was set aside for purchasing of books for the aforementioned library in 2017/18 financial year.

He added that during the current financial year, some Sh1.1 billion has been set aside for the same purpose.

President Magufuli directed the university administration to ensure the library, with a storage capacity of 800,000 books, is full of books.

"This library should be a catalyst for improvement of the quality of education in the country," said the President.

The Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Wang Ke, said the library should act as a catalyst for production of more talented and innovative Tanzanians.

"This is the largest and the most modern China has ever built in Africa," said Ms Ke, adding: “I'm optimist that it will be useful for Tanzanians."