The project manager representing CHICO, Shi Yinlei, oversees the expansion of Shinyanga Airport. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Shinyanga – A cloud of uncertainty and injustice hovers over the residents of Ibadakuli ward as they grapple with a contentious compensation saga linked to the ongoing Shinyanga Airport expansion project.
The initiative, valued at $55.9 billion and co-funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Tanzanian government, has promised transformative infrastructure upgrades. Yet, for many locals, it has brought a sense of betrayal and despair as land acquisition for the development has left numerous families questioning their future.
Joyce Bala Lukale, one of the affected residents, stands as a stark symbol of the controversy. Initially offered Sh600,000 for her seven-acre plot, Lukale recalls her shock upon realizing the government’s offer was alarmingly disproportionate to the land’s value.
“I couldn’t believe they valued my land so little,” she said. “This is not just land; it is where I raised my family, where my ancestors worked. It holds my entire life.”
After voicing her concerns, Lukale eventually learned through official correspondence that she was entitled to more than three million shillings. While this adjustment offered some relief, it also exposed glaring inconsistencies in the compensation process, sparking outrage among other residents who had accepted lower offers without question.
“I feel cheated,” said another resident, an elderly farmer who wished to remain anonymous. “We were not told how they determined the value of our land. They said take the money or lose everything. What choice did we have?”
These allegations of coercion and lack of transparency have fueled a growing public outcry. Many residents argue that the compensation process was designed to exploit their lack of knowledge about legal entitlements.
Some claim they were intimidated by officials who treated them dismissively when they raised concerns.
“This isn’t just about money,” explained Lukale. “It’s about dignity and respect. We’ve been treated like we don’t matter like we don’t exist. It’s heartbreaking.”
District Commissioner Julius Mtatiro, who took office earlier this year, has vowed to address the issue, emphasizing that justice must prevail.
During a public meeting in April, he listened to grievances from residents, promising swift action to rectify any injustices. “What has happened here is unacceptable,” Mtatiro declared. “We must ensure that every citizen receives fair compensation. That is their right under the law.”
Tanzania’s legal framework, including the Land Act of 1999 and the Constitution, guarantees individuals full, fair, and prompt compensation for land acquisitions.
However, residents argue that these principles have been ignored. “They tell us the law protects us, but where is that protection?” asked another affected landowner.
Despite Mtatiro’s assurances, little progress has been made in resolving the disputes. Analysts suggest that systemic corruption may be at play, with powerful figures working to undermine transparency.
“The people involved in these schemes are not small players,” commented a local observer. “They have connections and influence. If the district commissioner digs too deep, it could cost him his position.”
This perspective resonates with residents who feel trapped in a system designed to prioritize profit over people. “We are fighting against ghosts,” one resident lamented. “We don’t know who is behind this, but they are powerful enough to silence us.”
Adding to the frustration is the slow pace of action from the authorities. While Mtatiro directed the establishment of a special camp to handle complaints, residents report that their grievances remain unaddressed.
“We go to the office, and they tell us to wait,” said a middle-aged woman who lost her family’s land. “How long are we supposed to wait? Until we have nothing left?”
The uncertainty has taken a toll on the community, with many struggling to rebuild their lives after losing their homes and livelihoods. “They took everything from us,” said a young man who used to farm on his family’s land. “Now we live with relatives. We can’t even afford to send my siblings to school.”
Meanwhile, the airport expansion itself has made significant progress, with 80% of construction completed.
The upgraded facility has already accommodated emergency landings, including one that transported a critically ill patient to Mloganzila Hospital in Dar es Salaam.
Yet, these milestones have done little to assuage the anger of those who feel left behind.
“We are not against the project,” said Lukale. “We know it will bring development. But why should that development come at the expense of our lives?”
The broader implications of the dispute extend beyond Shinyanga. Observers argue that the case highlights deeper systemic issues in Tanzania’s governance, where corruption and inefficiency often hinder efforts to protect citizens’ rights.
“This is not an isolated incident,” noted a political analyst. “It’s a symptom of a larger problem. It will only worsen if we don’t address it now.”
As the situation drags on, the affected residents cling to hope that their voices will eventually be heard. “We are not giving up,” said the elderly farmer. “This is our land, our home. We will fight for what is ours.”
For now, however, that fight remains an uphill battle. With promises of justice fading and powerful interests seemingly at play, the future for Shinyanga’s displaced residents remains uncertain.
Their plight serves as a sobering reminder of the human cost of development—and the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the processes that shape their lives.