The Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, has instructed the office of Dodoma Regional Commissioner and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to allocate areas to establish the centre and the dry port which is to handle huge commercial activities after completion of the Dodoma Airport renovation and expansion.

 

Speaking during the laying of the foundation stone for upgrading work of the airport, the Premier said the big airplanes could land at the airport after completion of the upgrading work at the airport and expressed optimism that local airlines, such as Air Tanzania, Precision Air and FastJet would begin flights to Dodoma to cater for growing business.

 

The Premier said responsible authorities including RC's office for Dodoma and Capital Development Authority (CDA) must make it quick to plan for investment areas to turn Dodoma town to be a commercial hub for other peripheral regions.

 

The PM also noted that, Dodoma being at the centre of the country would not only help to expedite government activities but also benefit of other neighbouring regions in terms of business activities. He expressed hope that air fares to Dodoma would also go down with increased flights and business activities and investments would be boosted with improved air services.

 

The PM further clarified that, World Bank (WB) through Local Investment Cenre (LIC) will provide to Dodoma Region 100m/- to develop the centre for Dry Port and added that, all these activities will automatically increase number of merchants to Dodoma.

 

Also the PM said, Dodoma needs upgrading of its infrastructures and advised the Capital Development Authority to revisit its Master Plan to accommodate the required facilities and infrastructure to handle huge business.

 

Meanwhile, the Minister for Works, Transport and Communication, Prof Makame Mbarawa, told the PM that, the Dodoma Airport renovation and expansion would be ready for use after six weeks, and able to accommodate big planes with capacity of ninety passengers as well as cargo.

 

Prof Mbarawa also said the technical designs and consultancy works were both done by local experts rated by Tanzania Roads Agency (TANROADS) and Tanzania Building Agency (TBA) and the expansion would cost the government a total of 11.5bn/-

Source : allafrica.com