Cultural heritage management in Tanzania: a case study of Kunduchi ruins site, Dar es Salaam

In recent years, it has been recognized that sustainable protection, conservation and management of cultural heritage sites can be achieved through formulating sound legislation and Management Plans. The major objective of the study was to create a Draft Management Plan for Kunduchi ruins site. The study also investigated sources of conflicts over development plans at the site, community awareness of the Antiquity Act, attitudes towards site use and assessed the potential of Kunduchi ruins for cultural heritage tourism. The study sampled 183 respondents. Observations, archaeological survey, analysis of secondary data and interview methods were used to achieve the targeted objectives. Findings revealed that, the 2004 conflicts were largely fuelled by misconceptions over the site custodianship and development plans at the site. It was also identified that a large number of residents were unaware of the existence of a specific legislation that protects the site. This study also reveals that the ruins are by themselves inadequate to serve as a strong heritage tourism resource base. The study recommends to the Antiquities Division to resolve the conflicts and restore good relationships with Kunduchi Mtongani community. Finally, the study has managed to draw a Draft Management Plan for the site. The Antiquities Division is encouraged to evaluate, flesh out some parts, even add and/or remove some parts. The researcher offers the options to the Division to adopt the draft as it is or expand it if necessary.