Over 600 structures face demolition in Tabora

TABORA: OWNERS of more than 600 houses and business kiosks built within road reserves in Tabora Region have been given seven days to demolish the structures voluntarily to protect road infrastructure and ensure the safety of road users.

The directive was issued recently by Minister for Works, Masanja Kadogosa, who instructed the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) Regional Manager in Tabora to ensure that those affected comply with the deadline.

Mr Kadogosa said enforcing the law was necessary to protect road infrastructure and curb illegal activities within road reserves.

He said encroachment on road reserves contributed to significant damage to road infrastructure, a situation that was unacceptable.

Earlier, TANROADS Regional Manager for Tabora, Engineer Raphael Mlimaji, said the government had directed the removal of structures encroaching on road reserves, noting that 602 houses and business kiosks had already been identified within the protected areas.

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Speaking in the presence of the Minister, Eng Mlimaji urged residents occupying road reserves to remove their structures before legal action was taken against them.

He explained that, under the law, a road reserve extends 22.5 metres from the centre of the road on each side. On compensation, Eng Mlimaji said the matter will be guided by established road-reserve boundaries and existing urban planning arrangements.

However, people who had encroached on land designated as road reserves would not qualify for compensation.

He warned that demolition would begin against those who failed to comply after the seven-day period for voluntary removal expired.

Some residents affected by the directive said they were ready to demolish their kiosks voluntarily before the government began enforcement to avoid additional costs that could arise if authorities carried out the demolition.

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