HANANG MUDSLIDE: Govt puts smiles on victims

MANYARA: THE government on Thursday handed over 109 housing units to the mudslide victims in Hanang District, Manyara Region.

The handing over of the houses is the country’s humanitarian act aimed to comfort the victims of the tragedy which occurred in December, last year.

Speaking shortly after handing over and inaugurating the houses built in Waret Hamlet, Hanang District, Manyara Region, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged to support the victims to enable them to resume their normal lives.

He explained that the construction of 73 out of 109 houses was funded by the government and carried out by the National Service’s Production Unit (SUMA-JKT).

The PM added that 35 houses were constructed by the Tanzania Red Cross Society, while one house was built by the Chama Cha Mapinduzi Women’s Wing.

“Following the disaster, 109 houses needed to be urgently rebuilt. Considering the extent of the damage and her compassion, President Samia issued directives to construct durable and permanent houses in a safe area for the victims who had lost their homes. This construction is a symbol of care, love and the government’s commitment to standing with its citizens during difficult times,” Majaliwa said.

He added that President Samia allocated 1.38bn/- for the provision of social services, including electricity, water and reliable roads, with the aim of ensuring that all houses are availed with these essential services.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has directed the leaders of the Hanang District Council to coordinate the allocation of additional plots in the area to further develop it. “We want this area not to be recognised as a settlement for victims but as an official village with all essential social services, serving as a model for economic and social improvements for all citizens,” he said.

The PM   further said that the government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, will continue to strengthen early warning systems and implement effective environmental conservation plans to reduce the impact of disasters on communities.

He insisted on the importance of constructing strong infrastructure is safe areas and ensuring that such infrastructure is capable of withstanding emerging disasters.

On her part, Manyara Regional Commissioner, Queen Sendiga, applauded President Samia for her steadfast commitment to restoring homes for victims of devastating mudslides in the region, reaffirming the region’s commitment to overseeing and improving the local environment through initiatives such as tree planting campaigns and proper urban planning.

She said that the accomplishment of the project is a testament to the collective efforts of the government, development partners, non-governmental organisations and donors who provided essential support to ensure affected citizens regain safe and decent housing.

On the night of December 3, 2023, the Hanang District was beset by a catastrophic natural disaster.

Torrential downpours triggered massive mudslides, causing a part of Mount Hanang to collapse.

The devastating mudslide which was caused by heavy rainfall culminated into extensive damage of properties, loss of lives and displacement of families. It claimed 89 lives and left over 100 others injured. In response to the disaster, approximately 4.75bn/- was raised to support the victims.

In December last year, President Samia Suluhu Hassan pledged that the government would build houses for survivors of flash floods and mudslides that hit Hanang District in Manyara Region.

“Besides the support availed to victims of the mudslide, resettlement is required for their lives to be restored,” Dr Samia was quoted as saying while receiving a 2bn/- dummy cheque issued by the Treasury Registrar, Mr Nehemiah Mchechu in Dodoma, a donation from public entities.

Thus, Dr Samia directed the Prime Minister’s Office to fast-track the assessment of the damage, stressing that people’s lives needed to be restored so they could return to normality.

To effectively execute the restoration process, President Samia reached out to Tanzanians to continue donating to the government and restore the lives of the survivors of the mudslide who had lost their loved ones and properties.

She, however, cautioned there should be proper management of all the contributions, directing the Premier to put the figures in monetary terms for more openness among the public.