By Business Insider Correspondent, Dodoma
The government has renewed pressure on contractors working in the Government City of Mtumba, urging them to accelerate construction and complete projects on schedule as the country continues its ambitious transformation of Dodoma into a modern administrative capital.
Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing projects in Mtumba on June 19, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi, said the government remains committed to investing heavily in the development of the Government City to improve public service delivery and enhance the efficiency of state institutions.
He stressed, however, that achieving this vision will depend not only on public investment but also on the ability of contractors to deliver projects on time and to the required quality standards.
“The government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan will continue investing in the development of the Government City, Mtumba, to strengthen public administration and improve service delivery. Contractors must also play their part by ensuring projects are completed within agreed timelines and according to specifications,” Prof. Kabudi said.
Building Tanzania’s administrative capital
Mtumba lies at the heart of Tanzania’s long-term strategy to consolidate government operations in Dodoma, the country’s official capital. Over the past decade, the government has invested billions of shillings in relocating ministries, agencies and public institutions from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma as part of efforts to improve coordination, reduce administrative costs and stimulate economic growth in the central region.
The Government City project has become one of the most visible symbols of that transformation. The area hosts purpose-built ministry headquarters, public institutions, road networks, utility infrastructure and supporting services designed to create a modern government district comparable to administrative capitals elsewhere in the world.
Prof. Kabudi said the scale of investment already made in Dodoma reflects the government’s determination to establish a world-class capital city capable of supporting Tanzania’s growing economy and governance needs.
“The progress achieved in Dodoma, particularly within the Government City, demonstrates the government’s commitment to developing a capital that meets international standards,” he said.
He also commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to prioritise investment in strategic infrastructure projects that support the growth of the capital.
Key projects under review
During the visit, Prof. Kabudi inspected construction works on the new offices of the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities), where he instructed contractors from Suma JKT and associated construction teams to increase the pace of work while maintaining quality standards.
The minister also reviewed progress on a major water supply and sewerage project being implemented by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) under the supervision of consulting firm NORPLAN.
The project is regarded as critical to the long-term functionality of the Government City, providing essential infrastructure required to support thousands of public servants and visitors expected to work and conduct business in the area.
Prof. Kabudi directed the contractor to ensure strict compliance with quality requirements and complete the project within the agreed timeframe to facilitate efficient operations across government institutions.
Central Bank expansion plans
In a further sign of Mtumba’s growing importance, Prof. Kabudi, accompanied by the Governor of the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), Emmanuel Tutuba, and members of the central bank’s board, also inspected land designated for the future construction of Bank of Tanzania offices within the Government City.
The planned development forms part of broader efforts to establish key national institutions in Dodoma and reinforce the city’s role as the country’s administrative and financial decision-making centre.
Economic impact beyond government
Beyond housing public institutions, the expansion of Mtumba is generating significant economic activity in Dodoma. Demand for housing, commercial property, hospitality services, transport and retail businesses has surged as government employees, contractors and investors establish operations in the city.
The relocation programme has also stimulated infrastructure development, including roads, water systems, electricity networks and telecommunications services, helping position Dodoma as one of Tanzania’s fastest-growing urban centres.
Economists argue that successful completion of projects within the Government City will not only improve government efficiency but also create a multiplier effect across the local economy through increased investment, employment opportunities and private sector growth.
Prof. Kabudi’s inspection forms part of the government’s broader monitoring programme for strategic national projects, aimed at ensuring timely completion, value for money and improved service delivery outcomes. As construction activity intensifies across Mtumba, the Government City is increasingly emerging as the centrepiece of Tanzania’s capital relocation strategy and a key pillar in the country’s long-term development agenda.
