| Abstract: | When, in 1973, Tanzania decided to shift its capital city from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma, it was envisaged that the move would take 10 years, and that the cost could be justified when set against a long-term perspective. A powerful agency was created to implement an idealised capital city masterplan, which would reflect the new status of Dodoma, and to which government machinery could move. The decision was presented as a national one, although in fact it was that of the ruling party. The requisite resources, however, could not be mustered; implementation was concentrated on service infrastructure rather than on the crucial housing and office accommodation; and, as national economic problems became acute, government officials became indifferent to moving to Dodoma. Worse still, Dodoma lacked the concerted backing of key national political leaders, so that deadlines to move to Dodoma have come and gone without anybody taking sanctions. Despite the expenditure of more than Tshs. 4.9bn, there is still little infrastructure that can accommodate the government set up even in part. The idea of shifting Tanzania's capital has a history going back to the colonial days, but experience with Dodoma has shown that the process is a hazardous one, particularly when seen against the backdrop of economic difficulties, and indifferent and unwilling government officials. The new multiparty political climate in the country can only mean a reappraisal of the new capital project, which is likely to be accorded little priority, if it is not scrapped altogether. |
