Kigoma — PRESIDENT Jakaya Kikwete has cautioned residents of Kigoma Region against selling their land to newcomers saying that the situation could drive them to become farm hands or servants in their own land.

The president gave the advice here yesterday when addressing a public rally on the eve of celebrations to mark the 36 years of CCM, shortly after inspecting Malagarasi Bridge which is under construction in Uvinza District. "Avoid the inclination to sell off your land.

There are tricky people who will come for it since good roads are now in place. Do not agree to sell your land to them. These people did not come here when there were no passable roads. But now they will come," he said causing laughter.

He told the gathering of villagers that if they sell their land they will have no place to live and grow food crops and other activities because more and more land buyers will stream in. This situation will push the locals away from the roads and other infrastructure.

President Kikwete told the residents to put the good roads and Malagarasi Bridge to the most beneficial use. He said that the infrastructure will help improve their livelihoods and other economic development aspects.

He said the constructed bridge has a lot of promising opportunities that would benefit the residents of the area when construction is complete. He added that the bridge has already taken shape and would soon be launched ready for use. The bridge would link roads from various regions such as Tabora and some districts in Kigoma Region.

The Project Manager, Mr Jung Sik You, told President Kikwete that the bridge would be completed in October this year. Mr Sik You said that 89 per cent of the project has been completed and that by October this year, the bridge would be ready for use.