MTWARA Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (MTUWASA) has paid a total of 816.78m/- as compensation to over 50 residents of Mangamba Juu area in Mtwara Mikindani Municipal Council, Mtwara region.
The payment came after President Samia Suluhu Hassan released the funds to be paid as compensation to the residents whose land was acquired 22 years ago by the state to build a water treatment plant in the area.
Speaking to journalists during the payment exercise, an environmental officer from the Ministry of Water, Mr Moses Mgala urged the citizens who have already received their compensation to vacate the area within 90 days.
“We call upon the residents who have already received their compensation payment not to continue polluting the environment by organising themselves and vacate the area (Mangamba Juu),” he said.
MTUWASA Executive Director, Engineer Rejea Ng’ondya expressed gratitude to the government for releasing the money as he also commended the residents and Mangamba Juu executive officials for their patience as they waited for the compensation for 22 years.
“I really thank the ‘wananchi’ for being tolerant as they waited for their compensation payment for over 21 years, it was not easy as we experienced some disagreement but we thank God we have made it now,” he said and highly commended.
Speaking after receiving their cheques, the beneficiaries of the compensation thanked the government for paying them saying they are ready to vacate the area as planned.
“I really thank the government specifically Mtwara District leader and the rest who have been working hard to ensure we are paid and now we are preparing to get off the place,” said one Zanaibu Hausi.
Mr Ally Mohammed, another beneficiary, said he is getting ready to vacate the place within 90 days as planned by the government.
“I’m done with the government since they have paid me what I have been waiting for the only thing is for me to leave their places,” he said.
He said MTUWASA acquired land from some 51 residents in Mangamba Juu area in 2001 for construction of a water treatment but failed to pay them compensation, a move that led to a dispute between MTUWASA and the residents, with some refusing to vacate the area.
