Authorities abandon plans to demolish historic mosque in Tanzania

​​​​​​​By Lulu Angelo Sanga

DAR ES SALAM, Tanzania (AA) - Authorities have abandoned plans to demolish a historic mosque in southern Tanzania, officials told Anadolu on Wednesday.

The Msikiti Mkongwe, or The Old Mosque in the Mbeya region will instead be promoted as a tourist destination.

The change in plans came days after Anadolu reported that authorities in the region had planned the demolition of the nearly 200-year-old mosque, which caused outrage among residents who wanted the mosque to be preserved.

Regional Commissioner Juma Homera said the mosque will be preserved as a historical landmark.

The government sent the Tanzania National Roads Agency to review the site on Tuesday, he said.

Part of the mosque was found to be within a road expansion zone but the Mbeya regional committee ordered that it remain untouched.

“Through the regional committee, we instructed the National Roads Agency to preserve the area because it is a historical site, and the community wishes to see it protected. The mosque will be safeguarded, and residents can continue to live in the area," said Homera.

He emphasized that the mosque is in good condition and after the last major renovation in 1956, it continues to stand.

Homera also revealed that the government is considering promoting Msikiti Mkongwe as a tourist destination.

“The mosque will not be demolished, it will remain a historical site. Visitors will be welcomed and guided by the mosque’s imams (spiritual leaders). We are working on promoting it further to attract tourists, as 198 years of history is significant," Homera added.