Hassan Magulumali
The Minister of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development, Jerry Silaa (MP), has resolved a long-standing land dispute after residents of Mlabani Ward encroached on land owned by the Catholic Diocese of Ifakara since 1938. The church has agreed to receive compensation in the form of another piece of land so that the residents can continue their activities on the current site.
This agreement was reached on July 8, this year, after Minister Jerry Silaa arrived in Kilombero District and held discussions with the landowner, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ifakara, His Grace Salutaris Libena, who agreed to be compensated with another piece of land.
Initially, while explaining the dispute, Minister Silaa said that the residents of Mlabani Ward had encroached on land owned by the Catholic Church since 1938. The church, therefore, requires compensation with another piece of land to use for various activities, including building colleges, hospitals, and other community services.
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“I came here to your district specifically for the Mlabani dispute, I have come to finalize the agreement whereby His Grace Bishop Libena has wisely agreed to be given another piece of land” said Minister Silaa.
Consequently, Minister Silaa has given 90 days for government leaders and experts to use relevant maps to survey and plan the land. After completing this survey, residents will pay TZS 500 per square meter to obtain land titles and ownership, allowing the church to acquire another piece of land.
Additionally, Hon. Jerry urged residents to safeguard their land ownership titles as the ultimate proof of ownership to avoid being swindled and to eliminate unnecessary disputes.
On his part, the Kilombero District Commissioner, Hon. Dunstan Dominic Kyobya, stated that the district has many areas with land disputes, including Mlabani, Kambenga, and Rubada. He explained that the Mlabani area, owned by the Catholic Diocese of Ifakara, covers more than 500 acres.
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