The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, has gazetted the Administration Block of the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, and the Chagga Bolt Hole (Mireshi) located at the College as National Heritage Sites.

According to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and signed by Dr. E.J. Bwasiri on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, the Administration Block and the Chagga Bolt Hole have been declared National Heritage Sites due to their significant historical and commemorative value to the nation.

The statement explains that the Administration Block and the Chagga Bolt Hole were gazetted National Heritage sites through Government Notice No. 163, dated March 15, 2024, in accordance with the Antiquities Act, Chapter 333, Section 3(1). Additionally, under the 2006 Antiquities Policy, this area is now officially recognized as a historical site and tourist attraction, as per Section 4.9.1.

The statement outlines the benefits of declaring the Administration Block and the Chagga Bolt Hole as National Heritage sites, including:

• i) Providing legal protection;
• ii) Preserving the historical and archaeological significance of the site;
• iii) Inclusion in the national list of heritage sites;
• iv) Qualification for inclusion in the World Heritage Sites list;
• v) Gaining official national recognition;
• vi) Inclusion in a Management and Development Plan for the site; and
• vii) Utilization for tourism and educational purposes.

The Administration Block was built in 1903 by the German Colonial Administration. It was initially used as a kindergarten for the children of German settlers from the nearby coffee and sisal plantations. After World War II, the building was repurposed as a nursing school before becoming a wildlife College in 1963.

The bolt hole was dug by Chagga residents in the 17th and 18th centuries as shelters during wars with the Maasai.