The mood at the inauguration ceremony of a power project in Moshi changed as Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Leonidas Gama broke the news that fraudsters had stolen the 170m/- that was meant for compensation.
Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Leonidas Gama
In his speech before Vice President Mohamed Gharib Bilal at Makuyuni, Himo, Mr Gama said that all the culprits have been identified. So the wananchi who were present heaved a sigh of relief. The RC was speaking after Dr Bilal arrived at Makuyuni substation, which is one of two new ones owned by Tanesco.
The substation was constructed with assistance from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The other substation is KCMC while Liwati and Kiyungi were renovated by the same agency.
Mr Gama deemed it necessary to mention the problem as the vice was not acceptable. He had to make it public so that those responsible would be dealt with accordingly.
He said that before the project took off, some land had to be cleared. That means people had to vacate their land to give way to the transmission lines.
So, evaluation was done in time. However, Mr Gama noted that it has emerged that some people, whose number he did not mention, were paid 169,217,000/- as compensation for their land. “Unfortunately we have found out that the land was not theirs but have been paid that amount.
The good thing is that all the culprits have been identified and will be dealt with,” said the RC. The VP said he was astonished and saddened by the incident and ordered the RC to take stern measures against the fraudsters.
Dr Bilal said it was not fair for them to be paid taxpayers money that they do not deserve. He urged the RC and his team to make sure those who were paid illegally were brought to justice without fear or favour.
By DEUS NGOWI, Tanzania Daily News
