BY DAVID CHIKOKO
Arusha’s iconic Clock Tower roundabout and the Arusha Declaration Monument have been earmarked for major facelift as part of efforts to enhance the city’s appeal.
Speaking to residents of Arusha last week after inspecting the ongoing road construction works and other projects, Arusha Urban MP, Mr Paul Makonda, said he wanted to transform the city into a destination comparable to a mini-Dubai.
He identified the two landmarks as priorities for improvement, saying their appearance should reflect their prominence in the city. He said the Clock Tower needed redesigning, while the Arusha Declaration Monument should be made more attractive.
“The Clock Tower is worn out and does not match its status … The historic Arusha Declaration Monument should look attractive,” he told the crowd. Mr Makonda added that he had already tasked experts for a new design.
The Clock Tower is the midpoint from Cape Town to Cairo and is sometimes dubbed the ‘African Equator’. It was built after the Second World War with funding donated by Greek businessman Christos Galanos.
The Arusha Declaration Monument was unveiled in 1977 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the 1967 Arusha Declaration that steered Tanzania towards socialist policies, self reliance and ethical leadership under founding President Julius Nyerere.
Arusha landmarks to get major facelift
The proposed landmark upgrades come amid wider road improvements ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. According to TANROADS, the infrastructure works included street lighting and improved drainage.
Mr Makonda also said plans were under way to rehabilitate the Tanga–Moshi–Arusha railway to facilitate the movement of people and goods.
During an inspection in Arusha on October 6, 2026, Works Minister, Mr Masanja Kadogosa, said two priority road sections totalling 13 kilometres—the Mbauda–Arusha Bypass and Tanganyika Packers–Kiserian sections—were expected to be completed by December 2026.
