Displaced Families Appeal for Compensation in Tanzania

OVER 80 families in Rusumo Ward, in Ngara District, have appealed for compensation from the government after their houses were demolished to pave way for the expansion of a parking space for heavy duty vehicles plying between Tanzania and Rwanda.

Reports from Ngara said the families were facing difficulties and had already sent their complaints to the Ngara District Commissioner, Costantine Kanyasu, for necessary action.

One of the residents, Seleman Hussein said the exercise was being supervised by the Tanzania Roads Agency (Tanroads) adding that the affected families were housed in temporary shelter, exposing them to contagious diseases and malaria.

Ngara Deputy District Administrative Officer (DAS), David Mafipa, when contacted for comment over the issue, said the Lands and Housing Tribunal, (Biharamulo Zone), had ordered the demolition exercise to be suspended until when the government will release funds to compensate the affected families.

The governments of Rwanda and Tanzania are jointly implementing a multi-billion hydro-power project at Rusumo, along the Tanzania-Rwanda border which is expected to generate 60 Megawatts.

Meanwhile, a 65-year old woman, identified as Getrude Augustine, from Rulenge Village, in Ngara District was hacked to death by unknown assailants. The Rulenge Village Chairman, Said Kizeze, said the old woman was attacked by unknown people over the weekend, leaving her in a pool of blood.

He said the killers escaped with her head and sexual organs. According to Mr Kizeze, a few days before the killing, the old lady had sold two of her cows, fetching over 500,000/-.

He said the matter had already been reported to the police. Kagera Regional Police Commander (RPC) Philip Kalangi, confirmed the incident adding that investigations were in progress.