SIMANJIRO. Simanjiro District Commissioner Fakii Raphael Lulandala has ordered a halt to construction activities on land belonging to Saniniu Laizer Government School in Naepo Village, Naisinyai Ward, as authorities move to resolve a dispute over the school’s boundaries.
The directive follows concerns over alleged encroachment on the school’s 48-acre parcel, which was set aside by the village for the construction of the government pre-primary and primary school.
DC Lulandala directed those who have allegedly encroached on the school land to immediately stop construction, while ordering land experts to conduct a fresh survey and establish clear boundary markers.
He gave land officials 14 days to complete the boundary verification and place beacons around the school property.
The district commissioner also ordered a fresh verification of the entire 48-acre school plot and directed officials to submit a report on their findings within seven days.
He further instructed the police and the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) to question Naisinyai Ward Executive Officer Valentine Tesha, Naepo Village Chairman Elias Abraham and Stephen Mollel, who is alleged to have constructed a house on the disputed land.
“It is impossible for the ward executive officer and the village chairman to see a house being built and roofed without taking action. Police and PCCB should question these leaders on why they allowed this to happen,” Mr Lulandala said.
The intervention has been welcomed by prominent Tanzanite miner Saniniu Laizer, who constructed the school and later handed it over to the government.
Mr Laizer commended the district commissioner for stepping in to address the dispute and safeguard land designated for the school.
Naisinyai Ward Councillor Taiko Kurian said the land initially belonged to the village before 48 acres were formally set aside for construction of the government school.
Meanwhile, Mr Mollel, one of those alleged to have constructed a house on the disputed land, admitted that he had received two separate letters ordering him to stop construction.
He, however, acknowledged that he continued with the construction despite the directives.