REGIONAL COMMISIONER ORDERS ABOLISHMENT OF HOUSES ON FLOOD DRONE AREAS IN DAR

DAR ES SALAAM Regional Commissioner (RC) Paul Makonda yesterday ordered immediate demolition of all houses built in the flood prone areas.

He directed Ilala Municipal Council Director, Ilala District Commissioner and Ilala Administrative Secretary (DAS) to ensure all houses in the condemned areas are pulled down by today for the safety of their occupants.

“All the 36 houses that we had planned to demolish at Msimbazi flood prone area especially during this rain season, should be pulled down by tomorrow (today). I directed all residents who had already been compensated to immediately quit the area before their houses are demolished,” directed RC Makonda.

 He issued the order yesterday while on a tour of Msimbazi River in Mnyamani ward to inspect the areas affected by floods due to ongoing rains in the city.

Mr Makonda also urged all residents who had not been paid compensation to go to Ilala Director and those who had already received their cheques to immediately leave the Msimbazi flood plain.

He called on Dar es Salaam residents to be on the frontline in ensuring that their houses are not built at risky areas that may lead to deaths and other losses of property.

“I advise you (residents of Msimbazi valley) to leave this area to save your own lives. We advise you to support the government efforts to ensure all people are living in safe areas and decent houses,” he explained.

The RC said that the notice to demolish all houses built in flood plains areas was issued by the government long time ago, with the aim of protecting people’s lives.

He warned residents who have received compensation and are still putting up at the areas, saying they were acting against the law. Mr Makonda said that due to ongoing rains in the city, Dar es Salaam residents should take precautions themselves instead of waiting for the government to take care of them as victims.

He said by next month, all houses built on flood prone areas in the city, especially along Msimbazi valley, will be already demolished and all deserving evictees compensated.