JE WAMJUA MJUSI MKUBWA WA TANZANIA ALIEKO UJERUMANI ANAYETAKA KURUDISHWA /GERMANY TO RETURN DINOSAUR REMAINS SOON, HOUSE TOLD

The governments of Tanzania and Germany will soon strike an agreement for the return to Lindi region of the remains of huge lizard ... thumbnail 1 summary

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.

German to return Tanzania's Dinosur remainsDinosaur 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.