NHC Arusha Manager, Mr Nistas Mvungi.
BY MATHAYO LAIZER
The National Housing Corporation (NHC) has assured tenants facing eviction in prime downtown Arusha that they will be given priority to return once redevelopment of the area has been completed.
The redevelopment project involving properties on Swahili, Sokoine and Azimio streets in the city centre, has affected more than 50 families and about 40 business premises.
During a recent meeting with tenants, NHC officials, led by the Arusha Manager, Mr Nistas Mvungi, reaffirmed that current occupants will have first priority when allocating space in the new development.
To formalise this, the corporation said letters of offer will be issued by this month, allowing tenants to confirm their interest in returning under new lease terms.
The assurance comes amid concerns raised by the tenants following the issuance of a 90-day eviction notice to pave the way for demolition and construction. Tenants appealed for the notice period to be extended to 180 days, citing challenges in securing alternative business and residential premises.
In response, NHC maintained that the legal requirement was only 30 days but said the 90-day notice was issued as a compassionate measure. The corporation added that demolition will only begin after all construction permits are obtained and tenants still on site before approvals may be granted temporary month-to-month extensions of residence.
Once permits are secured, however, tenants will be required to vacate immediately to allow the project to proceed.
Tenants also sought clarification on financial and operational concerns. NHC assured them that security deposits already paid will be factored into new rental arrangements once revised rates were determined.
For those relocating, the corporation said approved plans for the Sokoine Square redevelopment will be made available, enabling affected tenants to select suitable business spaces before they are opened to the general public.
Additionally, tenants urged early completion of commercial spaces ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with NHC pledging to fast-track construction where possible, while calling on tenants to vacate promptly to avoid delays.
Some tenants interviewed by The Arusha News after the joint meeting expressed satisfaction and hoped that NHC would keep their promise. “The meeting has been very fruitful and has cleared most of our concerns,” said one tenant.
The redevelopment is part of broader efforts to modernise the Arusha’s city centre and expand commercial and residential capacity, with authorities maintaining that the project will ultimately benefit both current tenants and future occupants.
The development targets decrepit buildings to replace them with modern mixed-use complexes to improve land use in Arusha’s prime city centre. Estimated at Sh 24.5 billion and set for completion within 18 months, the project is part of broader urban upgrades ahead of AFCON 2027.
Once completed, the square will host over 200 businesses and more than 100 residential units, expanding the capacity from the current 24 tenants to over 300, while boosting revenue, economic activity and city’s general outlook.
