“It’s a dream come true; I never expected this to happen in my life time,” said Mzee Iddi Amri Saadi, a 72−year−old resident of the peninsula, who for over five decades has been crossing the entrance of Dar es Salaam port on wooden boats or ferries.
“I have heard stories of the construction of a bridge to Kigamboni for years, but it never happened,” said the father of eight who retired as technician at Tanzania Ports Authority over 15 years ago.
Mzee Saadi believes that with the ultra−modern bridge which was constructed by the Chinese and launched on Tuesday, Kigamboni is headed for economic prowess.
“I don’t think I have plans to relocate from here even if I finish college, I will stay here,” says Edmund Woiso, a second−year student of economics at Mwalimu Nyerere Academy at Kigamboni.
Woiso believes that with the bridge, Kigamboni headland will become an alternative city to Dar es Salaam’s central business district.
“Look at the real estate investments, hotels on the beach, cement factories and roads. Very soon we will have shopping malls and high−rise office blocks, which will mean that the people of Kigamboni will be self−sufficient, no need to go to Kariakoo or Posta,” said the 22−year−old young man.
Since president Magufuli officially inaugurated the US$135 million landmark bridge, the place has turned into a beehive of activity.
Pedestrians can cross the bridge free of charge but cars, motorcycles and bicycles pay a fee to enable the private investors to recover their investment.
Source: The Namibian

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