Africa-Press – Tanzania. CHAMA Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Vice Chairman Mainland Mr Stephen Wasira, has directed the Ministry of Land, Housing and Human Settlement Development to ensure that village land that was unlawfully acquired is returned to the citizens.
Mr Wasira issued the directives yesterday in Dodoma while speaking to leaders and CCM members who gathered to welcome him at the CCM Headquarters.
He said the Village Land Act prohibits land from being treated as a commodity for buying and selling because, if such practices are allowed, some people will end up without even a place to sleep.
“There are con people, the law states that if you want village land exceeding 25 acres, the villagers must convene, document the minutes and agree,” Mr Wasira stated.
He stated further that even after documenting the agreement, the matter must go to the district council, to the Minister for Land and the file must reach the President for approval and signature.
“Some people have acquired land in villages without the President’s signature,” he said.
“We urge the Ministry of Land to inspect village land that has been unlawfully taken and ensure it is returned to the villagers. The problem with corruption worldwide is that it legitimises things through bribes, even using the names of dead people to make it appear legal,” he explained.
Mr Wasira said that when land is sold, those with the financial means can buy it, leaving others without even a place to step on.
“Where will we step on if the land belongs to others? If you want to build even a hut, they ask how much money you have to buy land. Therefore, those without money will have nothing, not even hope,” he said.
He said CCM was committed to improving social services to ensure that citizens’ lives continue to get better every day.
“The policies within CCM cannot be found in any other party. Other parties focus on conflicts and opposing the positive developments happening under the ruling party.
We believe we will continue to run the government because the achievements made under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan are significant and sufficient to convince citizens to continue trusting the ruling party.” He explained.
According to Mr Wasira, President Samia has accomplished great things that directly impact citizens’ lives, including the construction of classrooms, health centres, roads, water infrastructure and the provision of medical equipment even at dispensary levels.
Speaking on Thursday in Dodoma, Mr Wasira called on party leaders to shun internal conflicts and ensure the party becomes a refuge for the poor.
Mr Wasira said that the party’s meetings should address people’s problems including those of various groups rather than focusing on personal issues of specific individuals in the society.
He made the call while addressing party members and Tanzanians in general after getting a warm reception from party members and other residents in Dodoma following his recent election to the new position of CCM Vice-Chairman for Mainland.
Mr Wasira was announced as CCM Vice- Chairperson (Mainland) on Friday by the party’s National Chairperson President Samia Suluhu Hassan after garnering 1,910 votes out of 1921 votes cast, equivalent to 99.4 per cent. Mr Wasira succeeds Abdulrahman Kinana, who resigned in July last year.
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