Honourable Minister for Information, Culture and Sports, Mr. George Mkuchika,The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Culture and Sports, Madam Kijakazi R Mtengwa,Chief Executive, Bagamoyo Institute of Arts and Culture, Mr Juma Bakari,Distinguished Guests,Ladies and Gentlemen
I wish to express my since gratitude for being given this opportunity to deliver a brief speech on this memorable occasion of inaugurating the Renewed Theatre and Flexible Hall, put in place in partnership between the Government of Tanzania through its two ministries, namely Ministries of Education and Vocation Training and Information, Culture and Sports.
Swedish support with the Bagamoyo Institute of Arts and Culture dates as far back as 1980s in the enhancement of training programme for the College. In the early 1990s both Sida and NORAD supported the then BCA with construction of a theatre building that proved to be a springboard in the development of the performing arts in Tanzania, as a whole.
Coupled with that, between 1995 and 1997 Sida provided the BCA with financial and non-financial assistance that resulted to the improvement of its operations. But, as we mark this important occasion, we remember the 2002 tragic event: the burning into ash of the prestigious theatre building. Without hesitation, upon request from the BCA, Sida commissioned a consultant firm to assess the extent of damage along with recommendations for improving the situation.
Such a consultancy work culminated into the Draft Master Plan that was presented at a stakeholders’ workshop in 2005. The workshop resulted to the approval of the Master Plan which justified this project whose outputs, as we witness today, are the THEATRE and FLEXIBLE HALL!
The value of the current agreement signed on 17 July 2006 between the Government of Tanzania and Swedish Government through Sida for the project amounts to SEK 14,600,000 (Tsh2.336bn). Out of the sum, contribution from Government of Tanzania is Tshs 800,000,000, Norwegian Embassy (Tshs160,000,000) and Swedish Embassy (Tsh1,376 bn)
We, at Sida, are immensely pleased with this greatest achievement. However, we believe that these two physical facilities will not be seen as an end in themselves but as a means to an end. We already anticipate an enhanced learning environment, which is critical for quality learning. Of cause, the situation of moving from learning in an open air theatre and a mango three down there is one important step but requires leadership to ensue requisite facilities and programmes are in place for realization of intended objectives. This is particularly important considering that the BCA has been accredited to an Institute of Arts and Culture as a centre of cultural excellence in Eastern and Southern Africa.
In addition, we expect management of Bagamoyo Institute of Arts and Culture will ensure that these facilities are run and managed in as sustainable manner as possible. To mention a few, management of the Institute ought to have meticulous maintenance programme coupled with strategic and operational plans to ensure maximum utilization of these invaluable facilities. In this case the College will be able to contribute to country’s goal of enhancing economic growth and reducing income poverty.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government of United Republic of Tanzania through its two sector ministries and agency (BCA) for their enviable collaboration in implementing this project. Also our thanks go Tanzanian experts, namely Nandhra Engineering and Contraction Company Limited) and Tomas Kalugula (Nusutu Associates/Architects and Project Management Consultants). Our thanks also go to the Swedish experts, in particular Alexis Pontvik Architects who designed the Master Plan, Mr Olle Söderberg (the sound and light theatre specialist from the Swedish Theatre Institute), Mr Kärl Heli, (Sida’s internal monitoring procurement consultant)
Thank you.