The District Commissioner of Same, Kasilda Mgeni, has issued a firm warning to citizens attempting to claim ownership of the land on which the Vunta Health Center is being built, following the allocation of government funding and the start of construction.
Mgeni stressed that anyone found to have forged land ownership documents would face legal action.
“This land was given by our elders for the government to build a health center so citizens can access services nearby. To come forward now, claiming that the land belonged to your ancestors, is unacceptable. This land had conflicts, but we resolved them long ago. The Local Government and the Village Government must investigate why this claim has arisen now, after the project has already begun. I urge everyone to respect government land and not interfere,” said Kasilda during a recent inspection of the construction site.
She was accompanied by the District Security and Safety Committee, following reports of a citizen claiming ownership of the land.
She further instructed the Local Government Authority and the Village Government to provide proof of land ownership.
“If it is found that the local government made any mistakes in the land acquisition process, the affected citizen will be compensated in accordance with the law,” she added.
Kasilda also encouraged the community to actively participate in overseeing the construction of the health center, emphasizing that they are the primary beneficiaries of the project.
“Your cooperation will help us meet the required standards and complete the construction on time. This project is for your benefit, as it will eliminate the long distances you previously had to travel for healthcare services,” she explained.
Additionally, the District Commissioner directed the Local Government to ensure proper boundaries are established for government-provided lands used for development projects, preventing future disputes over ownership.
Dr. Alex Alexander, the District Medical Officer for Same, highlighted the collaboration with the Tanzania Maternal and Child Health Investment Program (TMCHIP) to improve maternal and child healthcare in rural areas.
“The completion of this health center will significantly reduce the challenge of citizens walking long distances to access healthcare services,” he said.
On behalf of the villagers, Vunta Village Chairman John Stephan expressed gratitude for the government's initiative in constructing the health center.
“Initially, we did not expect to have a healthcare facility in our mountainous region. We are grateful for this development,” he said.
The construction of the Vunta Health Center began in February this year, with completion expected by August. To date, over 629 million shillings have been allocated, and construction is ongoing.
