Africa-Press – Tanzania. BAGAMOYO District Commissioner Zainab Abdallah has implored the public to support the government’s efforts in protecting antiquities so that the resources may benefit future generations.
She made the statement in a speech presented on her behalf by Bagamoyo District Planning Officer Malboard Kapinga at Kaole Ruins over the weekend.
“Bagamoyo district is one of the leading areas in the country with a large number of antiquities, with some dating from the 12th century like Kaole Ruins.
“Other antiquities include the famous Old Boma, German cemeteries, the Old Fort and the Stone Town.
We are able to see these antiquities today because they have been preserved all these years by individuals who valued them.
It is now our responsibility to join in the government’s efforts in protecting these unique resources so that they last longer “, she said.
Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) Eastern Zone Assistant Manager Ms Bernadetta Kadalla said that the government through the TFS has been doing a great job in rehabilitating the old buildings which are attracting a great number of tourists each year.
“TFS has been doing a great job of maintaining these buildings with the support from the government. We are now calling for the support from the residents in taking care of these resources which contribute a lot to the tourism sector,” she said.
District’s Cultural and Tourism Officer Hamisi Kimenya said that there were ongoing evil acts whereby some individuals steal antiquities, conflicts over ownership of the antiquities and illegal business of trees in forests surrounding the areas.
He said that the district was continuing to take measures in dealing with the acts. “According to the 2008 Antiquities Act, it is against the Law to invade or steal antiquities.
We are doing awareness campaigns to educate the residents about this Act and the importance of protecting our antiquities “, he said.
A total of 368, 727 tourists have visited two sites of Kaole Ruins and the Stone Town in the period of 10 years.
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