Pauline Gekul, the deputy minister for culture, arts, and sports, revealed that the government was ready to begin construction of the proposed Dodoma Stadium. Gekul made the revelation while responding to a question from Innocent Kalogeris, the MP for Morogoro South, in Dodoma.
The Deputy Minister stated that currently, the government is looking for funding for the projects and that soon construction will begin. According to Gekul, the Dodoma Stadium project is inevitable. This she explained is because it is in the manifesto of the ruling party. Additionally, she said it is a key facility for the capital city.
The project has been widely discussed. Many people want to know when it will officially commence.
Project Overview
Dodoma stadium in Tanzania is expected to be the largest stadium in Africa. It was proposed in 2017 after the Moroccan King’s visit to Tanzania. Reportedly the stadium will be built at an estimated cost of US $100m.
The facility will be strategically situated in the Nanenane area along Dodoma- Morogoro highway. This will make it visible to all passersby plying the proposed ring roads that will be running around the stadium. Travelers using the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network which is close to the structure will also be in a position to enjoy views of the development.
The architectural design of the structure resembles the iconic Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, from the outside. According to Patrick Mfugale the proposed mega stadium will have the capacity to accommodate between 85, 000 to 100, 000 spectators. Mfugale is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads).
Dodoma stadium to exceed First National Bank (FNB) Stadium capacity
The capacity of the Dodoma stadium exceeds that of the First National Bank (FNB) Stadium, currently the largest stadium in Africa. Reportedly, FNB can accommodate 94,736 spectators. For this reason, Dodoma Stadium is anticipated to take over FNB’s crown.
The FNB Stadium, AKA Soccer City or The Calabash, is located in Nasrec, bordering the Soweto area of Johannesburg, South Africa. The Calabash name is a result of the stadium’s design which was inspired by a Calabash. The latter is an African artifact made from the hard shell of a fruit in the gourd family “Lagenaria siceraria” by drying and hallowing it out.
This initiative comes at a time when the government is pushing for a massive transfer of people and services from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. The initiative will reportedly help improve the whole sport sector majorly soccer in the region.
In addition, the new stadium will put Tanzania in a better position to bid for hosting major continental events. These events include the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the African Canadian Soccer & Cultural Association (ACSCA). The stadium will also be able to host other top athletics events such as the All African Games and World Athletics championships.
Reported earlier
Oct 2016
Tanzania mulls constructing an ultra-modern stadium
Tanzania is planning to construct an ultra-modern stadium in Dodoma. This is after King Mohamed VI of Morocco met with President John Magufuli and pledged to support him. A signing ceremony was witnessed at the State House in Tanzania. It also comprised a good number of Morocco companies’ ink agreements with major players in the Tanzanian private sector.
President John Magufuli confirmed the reports. He said that the newly planned stadium will be the biggest in the country. It will be followed by 60,000 seater National Stadium in Dar es Salaam and CCM Kirumba in Mwanza. The latter has a 35,000 capacity.
“The stadium will be the largest in Tanzania. It will be bigger and better than the current national stadium. It will cost between US$ 80m to US$ 100m,” President Magufuli said adding that the construction of the state-of-the-art stadium will help improve the whole sports sector, especially soccer in the region.
The start of construction
There were no further details from the president in regards to the capacity of the project, nor the date for the construction. However, he insisted and said that the Morocco Monarch had indeed made a promise.
“I had a tete-a-tete with the visiting King VI of Morocco. I asked him if he can help build a stadium in Dodoma to which he agreed to it,” Mr. Magufuli pointed out.
The agreement on the stadium construction is part of 21 partnership agreements signed between the two countries as they seek to strengthen ties. The king was marking the second stop of his three-state tour of Eastern Africa in Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. He was accompanied by a delegation of senior officials, including several ministers.
May 2017
Dodoma stadium in Tanzania set to be constructed
Construction of the biggest stadium in Tanzania is set to commence according to president John Magufuli. The president said that plans for the construction of “Dodoma stadium” is in top gear.
He confirmed the news during an occasion that marked the 53rd Anniversary of the Union between the then Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The occasion was held for the first time at the Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma.
March 2019
Dodoma stadium in Tanzania to become the largest stadium in Africa
Tanzania is set to begin construction of Dodoma stadium. The stadium was proposed about 3 years ago during the Moroccan King’s visit to the Nation. Its construction cost was estimated at US $100m.
The Stadium will be strategically situated in the Nanenane area along Dodoma- Morogoro highway. From this location, it will be visible to all passersby using the proposed ring roads that will be running around the stadium. In addition, it will be visible to passengers using the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network that is close to the structure.
Also Read: Construction works at Olembe Stadium in Cameroon near completion
May 2020
Dodoma Stadium project in Tanzania edges closer to breaking ground
Mr. Harrison Mwakyembe has revealed that the country’s proposed Dodoma Stadium project has moved closer to the construction stage. Mwakyembe is Tanzania’s Minister for Information, Arts, Culture, and Sports.
This comes after the completion of seismic, topographical, and feasibility studies. The studies had to be repeated to ensure the maximum safety of the structure and the spectators.
Also Read: Dodoma stadium in Tanzania to become the largest stadium in Africa
Concerns about the slow development of the project
Mr. Harrison Mwakyembe’s revelation was prompted by Special Seats MP Felister Bura (CCM). The latter was concerned about how the construction work on the sports venue had taken a long to kick off.
Mwakyembe explained that Dodoma city is prone to earthquakes. Therefore his ministry had a huge task of conducting seismic, topographical, and feasibility studies, which for accuracy purposes, had to be repeated.
“As of now, we have completed all the essential surveys. I have personally submitted the reports to President John Magufuli. The reports detail information about the location and characteristics of geological structures beneath the Earth’s surface. Especially, where the structure will be set up. With that the state is set to advance into the construction stage,” noted Mwakyembe.
Tanzania’s Minister for Information, Arts, Culture, and Sports also mentioned that the national government has already acquired land for the Dodoma Stadium project. The land is reportedly more than the initial hectors needed.
2021
In late August, Innocent Bashungwa mentioned that they have already employed a consultant for the project. Bashungwa was the then Minister for Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports. According to him, the consultant was figuring out the cost of the proposed largest stadium in Africa.
“By constructing a big stadium in Dodoma, it will help the nation to stage various activities easily. This is because Dodoma city is growing rapidly and as a result, the existing stadium cannot accommodate the expanding population,” he said.
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