The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
Patty Magubira
14 May 2008
Mwanza — A resident of Ilemela district was arrested after waving a placard just as President Jakaya Kikwete started addressing a rally at the Tanzania Fish Development Company (TFDC) yesterday.
Literally translated, the placard, which was written in Kiswahili read: "Our land has been grabbed twice by the Ilemela District Commissioner without compensation, please, your Excellency, help us."
President Kikwete was on a two-day tour of Mwanza region.
Several residents were evicted from the Buswelu ward area to pave way for the construction of the District Commissioner's office. They have not yet been compensated.
The Ilemela District Commissioner, Mr Samuel Kamote said he was not responsible for compensating the residents.
Mwanza regional police commander Zelothe Stephen confirmed the arrest but could not name the resident.
Previously, police in Geita district also reportedly foiled attempts by some residents to waive banners with messages condemning Mwanza regional commissioner Dr James Msekela for supporting the controversial sale of the historical Nyamana stadium.
Residents in the district say the police mounted a manhunt for the residents after receiving a tip off on the impending demonstrations.Several residents were reportedly arrested and their placards destroyed, as police cracked down on looming demonstrations during the President's tour.
Conflict pitting residents and Mwanza city authorities emanated from the latter's decision to sell the historical stadium to a private investor.
Meanwhile, the President finished his tour of the region, during which he inaugurated the Geita Buzirayombo and Geita-Usagara Roads.
He also launched the Kigongo-Busisi pontoon, MV Misungwi; and the TFDC, a subsidiary of the National Investments Company Limited (NICOL).
President Kikwete urged beneficiaries of the roads and the pontoon to protect them against vandalism.
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