Msigani land tension ends after seven years

DAR ES SALAAM: MSIGANI street residents are breathing a sigh of relief after a seven-year land dispute between elderly neighbours, Esther Rodrick Mbaga (74) and Rajabu Sinafungo (80) has finally been resolved peacefully The long-standing conflict, which had caused tension between the neighbours, was brought to an end thanks to the intervention of the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign (MSLAC).

According to Lusajo Mwakasege, a lawyer from MSLAC representing the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), the dispute began when Mr Sinafungo filed a complaint against Ms Mbaga at the Msigani local government office, later escalating the matter to the Msigani Ward Tribunal.

Mr Sinafungo alleged that Ms Mbaga had encroached on his land by planting Kei apple trees, which she used as a natural fence.

He demanded that the trees be removed and replaced with a brick wall. Ms Mbaga, however, insisted the trees and the land were rightfully hers and refused to be coerced.

Initially, the local government leader intervened and confirmed that the land where the Kei apple trees stood belonged to Ms Mbaga.

Due to tree blossoms falling into Mr Sinafungo’s compound, Ms Mbaga agreed to remove the trees and build a brick wall when financially able.

Unexpectedly, just two months later, Mr Sinafungo refilled the case at the Ward Tribunal, violating the previous agreement.

At this point, the MSLAC legal team, led by Mr Mwakasege and government attorney Nipael Ezekiel from Ubungo Municipal Council, stepped in to mediate the conflict.

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They invited the local chairperson to verify the situation, who reaffirmed the earlier resolution and expressed surprise at Mr Sinafungo’s disregard.

“The MSLAC team, accompanied by the street chairperson and Ms Mbaga, visited the disputed site to assess the situation firsthand,” Mr Mwakasege said.

The contested area was approximately half a meter wide and eight meters long. After about 40 minutes of firm but respectful dialogue, Mr Sinafungo, initially defensive, eventually acknowledged that the disputed land was not his.

Mr Sinafungo agreed to withdraw his claim on the condition that the Kei apple trees be removed to prevent littering on his property.

He also accepted that Ms Mbaga would replace them with a brick wall at her convenience, even if it took up to three years.

“The outcome was truly uplifting. The two neighbours shook hands, laughter filled the air and peace was restored after years of tension,” said Mr Mwakasege.

He added: “This case is a powerful reminder of the importance of legal aid and the transformative power of mediation.”