KIGAMBONI legislator Dr Faustine Ndungulile has issued an 11-month ultimatum for the government to start implementing the proposed Kigamboni satellite city project in Dar es Salaam.
Dr Ngungulile has argued that it's been three years now since the Kigamboni residents were told of the project, and that they have stopped developing their plots to give way.
He said some of the residents are not even allowed to finish up construction of their half-completed houses nor can they acquire bank loans by using their property as collateral.
"This is too much and we will not tolerate the situation to remain thus beyond June, next year," he said.
Debating yesterday the 2011/2012 budget estimates tabled in the House by the Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Prof Anna Tibaijuka, Dr Ndungulile said that his voters had waited for so long to see the project coming but in vain.
He further said that he would support the project only if the government would come up with a plan that would first benefit residents of Kigamboni.
"My people would like to get three things; compensation at current market price; partnership with the would-be investors and thirdly for those who are economically able they would like to develop their areas in the new master plan," he said.
Dr Ndungulile warned that it was not fair for the government to announce such a huge project before it is ready for take-off, saying this resulted into lots of inconveniences to residents in the area.
Ms Zarina Madabida (Special Seats-CCM) also commented on the Kigamboni project, saying the government should come up with plans which should involve residents of the area.
"Why should the government evict people in such projects, whom do we intend to benefit?" she demanded to know.
Mr Khalifa Suleiman Khalifa (Gando-CUF) also urged the government give its stand on the Kigamboni issue and clear the existing rumours on the matter.
"The government's stand should be made clear to all.
"We need to understand what are the government plans on the Kigamboni matter," he said.
Ms Mariam Mfaki (Special Seats-CCM) said the Kigamboni issue has been long overdue and that the government should clearly declare the status of the project.
"Dar es Salaam is our city, the city for all Tanzanians, everyone would like to have a plot and a house there. Therefore, the Kigamboni issue touches the interests of many," she stated.
In another development, the Ilala MP, Mr Musa Azzan Zungu (CCM), while debating the same budget which has put aside some 47bn/- for the financial year 2011/2012 threatened not to support any plans aimed at kicking out his electorate living in low land areas.
"I say no to any plan to kick out my people living in the low land areas along Jangwani as stipulated in the Minister's budget speech.
"I swear I will be ready to resign as an MP and join my poor people to drag the government to court if these plans will be implemented," he charged.
He blamed the ministry for not considering thorny issues such as fake title deeds issued by the ministry and corruption scandals that he said tainted the ministry and its agencies, and instead focused on oppressive moves like the eviction of his voters from low lands.
"If you want to develop these areas you should first improve the people's settlements therein, and then move on with other plans.
"But any plan to kick them out is against the UN Habitat law which is well known by the minister of land," he said.
Mr Zungu said government statements that residents in the said areas had invaded such lands were not genuine as the same government had provided them with all social services such as roads and electricity.
He concluded by saying that "let the people live and the state will stay".
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment