DODOMA: CHIEF of Defence Forces (CDF), General Jacob Mkunda has said that the newly launched National Defence Headquarters in Kikombo, Dodoma, meets all required security and safety standards for personnel working at the facility.
General Mkunda made the remarks during the inauguration of the multibillionshilling, state-of-the-art complex on the outskirts of the capital, commending President Samia Suluhu Hassan for completing a plan that had been stalled for several years due to various challenges.
“The security of this building is of the highest standard. The facility has all the necessary infrastructures to safeguard both the building and the personnel using it,” General Mkunda said.
He noted that the design, which will accommodate the Ministry of Defence and National Service as well as Army offices, was developed by a special committee appointed by the CDF, with consultancy services provided by the Ministry of Defence’s building consultancy unit.
The project was executed under the Force Account System by a taskforce composed of Army officials and National Service (JKT) personnel, led by Engineer Colonel Zablon Mahenge.
Explaining the project’s history and cost, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and National Service, Dr Faraji Mnyepe said the construction of headquarters will be implemented in three phases at an estimated total cost of 318.7bn/-.
The first phase, costing 121.5bn/-, covered the main building (70.9bn/-), as well as furniture, internal roads, service buildings, water supply and electricity infrastructure (50.85bn/-).
The second phase, estimated at 107.59bn/-, will include construction of the administration wing, international relations building, and soldiers’ housing.
The third phase, at 90bn/-, will cover residences for officers and generals, additional service facilities, and staff housing. These phases will begin once preparatory work is completed.
Dr Mnyepe noted that when President Samia assumed office, the headquarters was only 10 per cent complete and 10bn/- had been spent.
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Under her leadership, 111.49bn/- has been allocated, enabling completion of the major works.
He traced the idea of a permanent National Defence Headquarters back to the formation of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) in 1964.
A decade later, the concept was included in the TPDF’s strategic plan, which earmarked Kongwa, Msalato and Ihumwa for the project, while Kikombo was designated for a military arsenal base.
During the fourth phase government, then-President Jakaya Kikwete laid a foundation stone at Lugalo Barracks in Dar es Salaam to host the headquarters, but financial and other challenges delayed the project.
After the late President John Magufuli declared the official relocation of the government capital to Dodoma, a temporary headquarters was built at Msalato and temporary ministry offices at Mtumba Government City.
On November 25, 2019, the late President Magufuli, then Commander-in-Chief, laid the foundation stone for the permanent headquarters at Kikombo.
Construction officially began in March 2020. During the brief ceremony at Chilolo area in Kikombo Ward, President Samia urged the Defence Forces to use resources prudently, noting that the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces are renowned worldwide for professionalism and discipline.
She emphasised that proper management of funds is essential to maintain this reputation.