Heerim Architects & Planners, a South Korean architecture firm, will design a new smart city around Hombolo Lake in Dodoma, Tanzania’s capital.
The company said Tuesday that it was selected as the lead master planner for the project, which covers about 10,000 hectares.
Known as the Hombolo Thematic Satellite City, the project is expected to include residential and commercial areas, hotels, leisure facilities and a range of social services. It will also connect to major economic infrastructure, including Msalato International Airport and the Mtumba Government City.
Dodoma City Council and Heerim signed the agreement for the feasibility study and master plan on Monday at Chinangali Park.
Heerim will lead both stages, with the aim of creating a modern city that combines eco-friendly technology with advanced information and communications technology infrastructure.
According to Heerim, the deal stands out because a private architecture firm won it by negotiating directly with a local government. It did not rely on public loan programs such as Korea’s Economic Development Cooperation Fund.
“Through this smart city master plan contract, we have further solidified our position in Tanzania and the wider East African market. Building on the urban design expertise we have accumulated, we will set a new standard for eco-friendly urban development in the region,” an official from Heerim said.
yoohong@heraldcorp.com
