New EAC headquarters due for launch

THE East African Community (EAC) is set to officially receive its newly constructed headquarters next month in Arusha, Tanzania, an official has said.The construction of the headquarters to accommodate all the regional bloc’s organs was financed through a 14 million euros grant from the German government through the KFW bank.“All is set now and the building will be handed over to us in September by the contactors. We should begin working in it in October this year,” said Edward Abili, the EAC Estates Management Assistant.The building was constructed by Dar es Salaam based developer, African Real Estates Company (ARECO).When The New Times visited the site yesterday, workers were putting final touches on the premises.The EAC complex comprises simple and free-flowing structures, combining tradition and modernity that blends in with the green surroundings of Tanzania’s northern region.Moving to the new complex, which is adjacent to the Arusha International Complex Centre (AICC), will save the regional body some $500,000 it currently pays as rent annually.The AICC building belonged to the community and hosted its headquarters before the defunct regional bloc collapsed in 1977.To ensure its durability, the complex’s foundation was constructed 22 metres deep and six metres wide per column into the surface to cushion it from earthquakes as Arusha is situated in a volcanic area.According to Abili, the remaining aspect is to furnish the multi-purpose EAC complex a move that would cost the EAC 3.5 billion Tanzania shillings.Although observers think that furnishing the complex may take another six months, Abili argues that the tender agreements signed with the supplier stipulate a period of two months.The launch of the complex is scheduled to take place at either the next EAC Heads of State summit in November this year or April next year.The foundation stone was laid by the EAC Heads of State on November 20, 2009 during the EAC’s 10th anniversary.

National

New EAC headquarters due for launch