BY MATHAYO LAIZER
The National Housing Corporation (NHC) has issued a 90-day general eviction notice to their tenants in downtown Arusha to pave the way for the redevelopment of the area.
The notice, issued a fortnight ago, affects about 40 commercial shops and over 50 families and their dependents currently residing in the premises located at the junction of Sokoine, Nyamwezi and Maasai streets in the prime business area. There are also over 100 workers affected by the notice.
According to information obtained by The Arusha News, the tenants have been told to vacate the buildings, where some have lived for years, within the stipulated period to allow for demolition and construction of new structures.
NHC Arusha Manager, Mr Nistas Mvungi, said in the notice that the move formed part of a broader government initiative to modernise urban infrastructure and improve the value and use of prime land in Arusha city.
“This redevelopment is aimed at improving the area and creating better business and residential facilities in line with the city’s growth,” said Mr Mvungi. The Notice has been copied to the Director General of NHC in Dodoma. However, the directive has raised concerns among affected tenants, particularly small business owners and families who now face the challenge of relocating within a limited timeframe.
“We have just been informed and now we have only a few months (3) to move. It is not easy to find another place for both business and homes at the same time,” said one shop owner along Sokoine Street. Some of them have occupied the buildings for over 25 years.
Another resident expressed uncertainty about the future, saying, “We understand development is important, but we hope the authorities will consider how this affects our livelihoods and families.”
Mr Mvungi said in the notice that affected tenants may apply for space in the new development once construction was completed, subject to terms and conditions. “We encourage tenants to cooperate during this process and assure them that there will be opportunities in the new development,” he said.
