DAR ES SALAAM: GOVERNMENT has announced plans to elevate the country’s swimming landscape with the construction of a modern 50-meter Olympic-standard pool, a facility expected to transform athlete development and expand the nation’s competitiveness in international events.
The commitment was revealed by the Acting Director of Sports Development in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Boniface Tamba during the Tanzania Swimming Development Conference held in Dar es Salaam.
The regional conference united experts and stakeholders from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda to chart the way forward for swimming development.
Tamba stressed that access to world-class infrastructure is essential for athletes to refine technique, build endurance and gain the competitive exposure needed for elite performance.
He noted that the proposed pool would serve not only as a high-performance training hub but also as a clear symbol of Tanzania’s determination to uplift the sport.
He emphasised a collaborative approach, encouraging stakeholders including coaches, athletes and administrators to submit detailed proposals that align local needs with international best practices.
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This inclusive model, he said, will help ensure long-term sustainability and effective resource utilisation.
Prime Sports Agency Board Chairman Lameck Borega underlined the country’s untapped potential in swimming, describing it as a sport where Tanzania stands a real chance of earning international medals.
He welcomed the government’s readiness to support the project, noting that Tanzania currently lacks a government-owned pool that meets global standards, with most facilities being privately owned and only 25 meters long.
Borega added that strategic investment in swimming infrastructure promises wider social and economic benefits—from hosting international events and boosting sports tourism to inspiring youth participation and strengthening community engagement.