Tanzania plans to save 'architectural heritage' of Dar Es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's most important city for both business and government. Located on a natural harbour on the Indian Ocean, it is the hub of the Tanzanian transportation system as all of the country's main railways and several of its highways originate in or near the city. Dar es Salaam has major infrastructural problems, including an outdated transport system and occasional power rationing. Bird's eye view of the harbour in Dar es Salaam.

DAR ES SALAAM (Xinhua) -- The European Union and the government of Tanzania on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a seven million euros (about 9.6 million U.S. dollars) project aimed at saving and promoting historical architecture in Dar es Salaam.

The project, called Dar es Salaam Centre for Architectural Heritage (DARCH), was jointly launched by Ambassador Filiberto Sebregondi, the head of EU delegation to Tanzania, and Lazaro Nyalandu, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, against a backdrop of demolition of iconic historical landmarks in Dar es Salaam by real estate developers.

The DARCH project is a joint initiative by the Architectural Association of Tanzania (AAT), Ardhi University in Tanzania and the Technical University in Berlin, Germany.

It will be located in Dar es Salaam’s historical Old Boma on the Sokoine Drive waterfront. The Old Boma will be restored in six months to serve as a model for sustainable preservation and provide opportunities to train local craftsmen.

Speaking before the launch of DARCH, Sebregondi appealed to the government to preserve its architectural heritage in Dar es Salaam, saying time was running out quickly.

"Unfortunately not a single day goes without seeing the risk of this heritage disappearing," said the EU envoy.

"What has happened to so many harmonious buildings in the city centre?"

He said the value of the past was often not understood, nor was the fact that it could be integrated in the future plans for the city.

"Dar es Salaam is the third fastest growing city in Africa.

"It is under extreme pressure to accommodate the business, trade, housing needs of a dynamic mega people," Sebregondi said.

"This does not have to be done at the detriment of its unique architectural heritage."

He said the EU was proud to support the project that will demonstrate how to preserve and make it become an asset for the city’s sustainable development.

Nyalandu said the government was working on plans to identify buildings and structures for preservation and protection.

The minister said the government was working closely with AAT, Ardhi Institute, the University of Dar es Salaam, the Dar es Salaam City Council and his ministry’s Department of Antiquities towards the identification of the architectural structures.

A good number of historical and cultural buildings and monuments in Dar es Salaam, including MC George Building at the junction of Samora Avenue and Mkwepu Street, have been razed to the ground to pave the way for new development.