KILIMANJARO: Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has warned public officials against heavy-handed tactics to seize land from citizens under the guise of development, stressing that property rights must always be respected.
The warning came during a visit to Kilimanjaro Region, where Nchemba inaugurated the Rombo District Council administration building and listened to residents’ concerns.
A complaint from a resident alleged that his land had been illegally halted for construction by a District Executive Director (DED) letter, despite following proper development procedures.
“Do not use force or authority over land that is not yours. Regional Commissioner, ensure your team respects citizens’ property,” Nchemba said.
He instructed the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG) to issue a circular reinforcing legal and consultative procedures for land acquisition.
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Rombo District Commissioner Raymond Mwangwala and DED Godwin Chacha clarified the letter was issued in error. The land had originally been designated for official residential use.
The resident, planning a petrol station, has now been formally notified for a compensation assessment.
Earlier in Marangu–Kitowo Ward, Nchemba issued a two-week ultimatum to the Ministry of Water to finalise procurement for the Lake Chala Water Project, expected to benefit 34,104 residents in 14 villages.
The project, costing TZS 8.66bn, aims to resolve long-standing water supply challenges.
He also directed the Finance Ministry to mobilise funds for advance payment to contractors for the 52.8-km Holili (Rotima)–Tarakea (Nayemi) road, estimated at TZS 28bn, along the Tanzania–Kenya border to boost economic activity and tourism.
Finally, Nchemba laid the foundation for the Stephen Moshi Technical Secondary School, valued at TZS 1.6bn, part of broader efforts to strengthen education in the region.
