Feature: Joy for Tanzanians over launch of landmark bridge

It was fanfare and excitement as over a quarter of a million people who live at Kigamboni peninsula in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city, witnessed launch of the 680-meter Kigamboni bridge that will change their lives.

"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 construction of a bridge to Kigamboni for years and each time, 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 135-million-U.S. dollars landmark bridge, the place has turned into a beehive of activities.

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.

"It's big time for my brothers in Kigamboni who have suffered for many years in crossing the sea to the other side of the city, now it's your time to get rid of the past," Magufuli said.

"Let's build the good image of our country together, there is no one who will do it for us," the president said while renaming the monumental bridge as Nyerere bridge in honour of the country's founder father, the late Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere.

But as Kigamboni residents and their neighbours pose for souvenir photos especially at night on the bridge, new worries arise. Housing, land and property prices have skyrocketed overnight as many people are now relocating to the area which is less than 15 minutes away from Dar es Salaam's central business district.

"Housing prices around this peninsula have gone up dramatically due to presence of this bridge, things are going up," said Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda.

Makonda said prices of houses have more than doubled during the short period of time as middlemen get hold of property for rent and sale to earn extra bucks from the public. Endit