Government tightens flood-zone land checks
GEITA: THE government has ordered an investigation into the issuance of land title deeds and construction permits in flood-prone areas of Geita Region, as authorities intensify preparations for the expected El Niño rains.
Deputy Minister in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Mr Reuben Kwagilwa, issued the directive during an inspection of the Geita urban drainage basin, where he assessed the area’s preparedness for the anticipated heavy rains.
He instructed the Geita District Commissioner’s Office to work with security agencies to identify officials who authorised land ownership documents and building permits in hazardous areas and take legal action where wrongdoing is established.
“If land titles have been issued in areas where they should not have been issued, there is something behind it. Go and investigate, and legal action should be taken,” Mr Kwagilwa said.
He also directed authorities to verify houses built in areas considered unsuitable for settlement despite their owners possessing valid land title deeds, saying public safety must take precedence as the rainy season approaches.
The Deputy Minister warned residents who have encroached on the drainage basin to vacate the area immediately, saying their lives and property remain at risk if heavy rains occur.
“If it rains today, we will face problems. Therefore, I urge and appeal to all those who are in the drainage basin to start taking precautions,” he said.
As part of the preparedness measures, Mr Kwagilwa directed the Geita Municipal Council to immediately begin cleaning and expanding the urban drainage basin before the expected El Niño rains.
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He criticised delays in addressing the drainage challenge, saying preventive action should have been taken before the situation became critical.
“This should not have been left until flooding occurred. As leaders, we were supposed to identify the problem and address it. You cannot be collecting 17 billion shillings and still fail to see that this is a problem,” he said.
Geita District Commissioner, Hashimu Komba, confirmed that his office had received the directive and said instructions had already been issued from ward to street level to strengthen preparedness measures.
He said authorities had launched a sustainable drainage cleaning programme while continuing to educate residents on the potential impacts of El Niño and the importance of taking preventive measures before the rains intensify.
Geita Municipal Director, Yefred Muyenzi, said mechanical cleaning of the Geita urban drainage basin officially begins today as part of efforts to minimise flooding in residential areas and improve the flow of storm water.
Meanwhile, Hydrogeology Officer with the Lake Victoria Water Basin, Charles Manyanda, said the Geita urban drainage basin stretches approximately 4.8 kilometres and remains a key component of the municipality’s flood management system.
He said his office would continue working with the municipal council to educate communities on the expected impacts of El Niño and the need to avoid activities that obstruct natural drainage channels.
The government’s intervention comes as authorities across the country step up preparedness measures for the forecast El Niño season, with local leaders in Geita expected to strengthen monitoring, public awareness campaigns and enforcement of environmental regulations aimed at reducing the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities.
