In efforts to attract more tourists to visit the country, Astronomers in collaboration with the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) are planning to install a telescope at the peak of mountain Kilimanjaro so as to enable tourists to view stars while at the mountain. The new initiative was revealed in Dodoma during the recent 6 East African Astronomical Society (EAAS) workshop held at the University of Dodoma (UDOM).
Jointly organized by UDOM, Open University of Tanzania (OUT) and East Africa, the workshop was conducted under the theme: "Astronomy for Science and Social Development" and participants were drawn from six countries of the East African Community (EAC). Similarly, astronomers suggest that TANAPA should think of introducing a cable car for climbing the highest mountain in the continent which will help older people and others who are incapable of climbing the mountain to seize the opportunity.
According to the Principle of the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Dr. Said Ali Vuai, if a telescope will be installed at the pick of mountain Kilimanjaro, it will attract more tourists to visit the country so that they can climb the mountain at the same time enjoying watching stars via the telescope. "We will be able to get better results and above all TANAPA will also increase revenue collection from tourists coming in the country because stars are very far to be seen through naked eyes,"noted Professor Elifas Bisanda, the Vice-Chancellor of OUT who also participated at the workshop.
According to Prof. Bisanda, the cable car at the mountain was also important in attracting more tourists especially those with an old age because the mountain has an attraction of its own. Speaking at a similar occasion, the founder of astronomy in Tanzania, Dr. Noorali Jiwaj, also from OUT, said in order to promote the astronomical society in Tanzania, there was a need for the country to implement the African Space Policy and an African Space Strategy so as to formalise an African Space Programme.
The African Space Policy, according to him, reflects the core principles, associated with a set of objectives, which are needed to inform the activities to be carried out within a formal African space sector. "It provides the guiding framework that the relevant actors in the continent are encouraged to follow and the adherence will promote a systematic effect thus leading to a well-coordinated and integrated African space programme." Dr. Jiwaj said.
He added that the implementation of the African Space Policy and the African Space Strategy are critical determinants for transforming the resource-based and knowledge-based economy that the country aspires toward.