The Morogoro District Commissioner (DC), Mussa Kilakala, has suspended all activities by the Morogoro Sugar Factory investor in Bwakila Chini Village, including preparations for farming, following complaints from residents over land disputes.
The DC announced the decision during a public meeting, held with community members, district council officials, security committees, and leaders from the ruling CCM party.
He also established a special committee that includes ten representatives from the village and officials from relevant authorities to review land ownership documents, verify boundaries, and resolve conflicts between villagers and the investor.
“The village leadership failed to involve residents. Some were surveyed and compensated, while others were left out, despite their plots being adjacent to investor land,” said Salim Kassim, a local resident.
Residents said they have no objection to investment but objected to the lack of transparency and community involvement.
Abuu Siria, another resident, explained that he and six others had been allocated 300 acres of land in 2002 and invested heavily in clearing it, only to find that the same land was claimed by the investor.
Other villagers, including Jamila Lawrent and Charle John, accused village leaders of prioritizing personal interests over public welfare, failing to provide information, and ignoring proper consultation procedures.
Residents highlighted that some plots were sold without the village’s approval and that funds from such sales were unaccounted for.
DC Kilakala warned the village leadership against closing public offices to force solutions, describing such actions as illegal.
“The village office is a public facility. Closing it is a serious offense. Those responsible will face prosecution,” he said.
He called for calm, structured dialogue and assured residents that investigations into the village leadership’s conduct would be handled by the relevant authorities. Those found guilty of wrongdoing would face appropriate action.
The suspension of investor activities and the formation of the special committee aim to restore transparency, protect community rights, and ensure that investment proceeds in line with legal procedures and residents’ interests.