Land has been described as the backbone of pastoral livelihoods in Simanjiro District, with leaders warning that careless and illegal land sales are threatening the future of communities that depend on livestock keeping.
The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, James Ole Millya, has called on pastoralist communities in Simanjiro to take full responsibility in protecting their land and to resist the influence of land brokers who benefit from illegal transactions.
He made the remarks during the Parents’ Week celebrations held in Ruvu Remit Ward, Simanjiro District, where community members, leaders, and students gathered to discuss development and social issues affecting the area.
Ole Millya, who is also the Member of Parliament for Simanjiro Constituency, said land in pastoral areas is not just a resource but a critical foundation for survival, especially for livestock keepers who depend entirely on grazing land for their livelihoods.
He warned that uncontrolled land sales are creating long-term risks, including loss of grazing areas, rising land conflicts, and increased vulnerability for pastoral families. He urged residents to remain united and vigilant in protecting their land from exploitation.
“I will continue to defend the land rights of pastoralists in Simanjiro. We must protect what belongs to us. Let us also continue supporting President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has shown strong commitment to improving the lives of pastoral communities,” he said.
Ole Millya further reaffirmed his commitment to addressing long-standing land boundary challenges between Simanjiro and Kilindi, which affects areas between Manyara and Tanga regions.
He said the issue had been raised at national level with the Prime Minister, Mwigulu Nchemba, who has pledged to dispatch a technical team to investigate and clarify the boundaries.
He noted that unclear boundary demarcations have contributed to illegal land sales and disputes, but the planned government intervention is expected to bring a lasting solution by providing accurate and recognized borders.
Simanjiro District Administrative Secretary (DAS), Warda Abeid Maulid, also urged residents to maintain peace and avoid conflicts related to land. She emphasized that unity is essential for development and called on the community to focus on productive activities.
She delivered greetings from the District Commissioner Fakii Lulandana and encouraged residents to cooperate with government efforts aimed at improving services and infrastructure in the district.
Speaking during the event, Mirumbe Sasi, representing the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Parents’ Wing in Simanjiro, said the celebrations also included community development activities such as distribution of sanitary pads to schoolgirls at Ngage Secondary School and planting of 50 trees to support environmental conservation.
He added that the event featured cultural and recreational activities including choir competitions between Ruvu Remit and Edonyongijape, sack races, and rope pulling competitions, which helped strengthen unity among participants.
Ruvu Remit Ward Councillor, Yohana Maitei (Kadogoo), expressed appreciation to the Sixth Phase Government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to support development projects in the area.
He said most projects in his ward have been completed successfully, improving service delivery to residents.
He also acknowledged support from Ole Millya, who recently facilitated TZS 2 million for the purchase of desks for Ngage Secondary School, helping to improve learning conditions for students.
However, he noted remaining challenges, including the need to construct a bridge at the Simanjiro–Same border area and delays in the construction of a planned health centre.
He also highlighted damage to the Relumo dam in Kapoko, which has led to flooding affecting nearby communities.
Leaders concluded by urging residents to protect their land, avoid illegal transactions, and work closely with government authorities to ensure peace, stability, and sustainable development in Simanjiro District.
