TBA takes tough measures to recover rent debts in Lindi

LINDI: THE Tanzania Building Agency (TBA) in Lindi has announced plans to evict tenants from its houses due to failure to pay rent for over three months, describing the situation as a serious breach of lease agreements.

TBA Regional Manager for Lindi, Engineer Mtapuli Juma said recently that the eviction exercise could start soon following the delivery of eviction notices.

“We have already served tenants with outstanding rent arrears and formal notice of intention to terminate their lease agreements due to non-payment, despite multiple previous reminders to settle their debts,” she said.

Eng Juma explained that evicting tenants with unpaid rents is part of the agency’s efforts to recover outstanding debts and improve revenue collection.

“One of the biggest challenges we face at TBA is delayed rent payments, especially from civil servants occupying our houses in Lindi. This situation hampers the agency’s ability to provide and expand housing services across the country. Therefore, we are compelled to take strict measures to recover the debts,” she added.

She further noted that delayed rent payments limit the agency’s capacity to maintain and rehabilitate residential homes and other buildings.

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Without disclosing the exact amount owed, Eng Juma reiterated the urgent need for tenants with outstanding rents to settle their dues or prepare to vacate TBA residential properties at any time.

Meanwhile, Eng Juma called on the private sector to collaborate with TBA to boost investment and construction efforts aimed at addressing the country’s housing shortage, particularly for civil servants.

“Our goal is to accelerate housing construction and ease the burden on the government. We encourage private sector investors to partner with us in financing and developing housing projects to meet the growing demand,” she said.

She cited a recent study indicating an annual housing demand of 360,000 units for civil servants alone. She emphasised that partnerships with the private sector will help TBA bridge the gap and provide affordable housing solutions.