The
governments of Tanzania and Germany will soon strike an agreement for
the return to Lindi region of the remains of huge lizard species known
as a dinosaur, which were taken to the European country during the
colonial era, Parliament heard yesterday.
The dinosaur remains
were discovered in 1912 at Tandeguru village, Mipingo ward in Lindi
region, and were taken for preservation in Humbolt museum.
Dinosaur Skeleton
In
a basic question in the House, Mchinga legislator Said Mtanda had
wanted the government to explain why it was delaying setting up
modalities for returning the lizards - one of the historical and
cultural tourist potentials.
“The government should tell when
Tanzania and Germany will agree and return the lizards…we want the
people, particularly residents living in Manyara and Mipingo wards, to
benefit from income generated from them,” said legislator.
Responding,
Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism admitted that
there was increasing public and stakeholders’ concerns over the return
of the lizards, but said currently the government lacked facilities to
preserve them.
“The management of Germany Humbolt museum are more than ready to give back the remains of the dinosaur,” observed the minister.
He
clarified that the government had already initiated talks with the
Humbolt museum management on the modalities of setting up proper
research facilities and structures or a museum in Tendaguru, where the
dinosaur originated.
“The agreement for the implementation of
this project is now under discussions by both sides (Germany and
Tanzania)…most probably, it will be signed officially in three months’
times. The agreement will include provisions for returning the
dinosaur,” informed Maige.
According to the minister, the
agreement, initiated by a Tanzanian delegation that visited Germany in
April last year provides for training of specialists in historical and
cultural preservation of the lizards’ remains at the masters and
doctorate level.
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