Simiyu — AUTHORITIES in Simiyu region have advised Bariadi district not to inherit a cotton levy debt amounting to 500m/- until the matter has been settled in court.

Instead, they should continue with the distribution of assets with Itilima district, including human resources. Simiyu Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Paschal Mabiti, said recently in Simiyu that there was no reason for Itilima district council to inherit debts while the issue was still pending in court, insisting that the division should continue in other areas.

"I think you have to be brave and wise during this period of dividing resources between the two districts, according to the ministry's guidelines so as to reach a consensus," said Mabiti.

He called on ward councillors to forget about the debt case that is in court and instead to discuss issues which bring development, saying it was now the appropriate time to use buyers who are not indebted to oversee levies.

Mabiti noted that there was a need to maintain peace and harmony during this time when the district councils were dividing properties and human resources, to establish local authorities charged with serving the community in Simiyu Region.

The two councils have principally agreed on the division of resources, save for one vehicle with registration number DFP 6040, which both the councils want to own.

Bariadi District Council Executive Director, Abdallah Malele, said the process to divide property and resources between Itilima and Bariadi district councils had taken long enough to reach a consensus.