THE government has set aside 14bn/- to pay compensation to the residents of Engaruka Ward in Monduli District, Arusha Region to enable the construction of a soda ash factory, expected to start soon.

Dr Selemani Jafo, the Industry and Trade minister, made this affirmation here yesterday when visiting the project site, being conducted by the National Development Corporation (NDC).

Everyone who deserves to be compensated will be given their right amounts, he said, appealing that they avoid the temptation to cheat on the payment of compensation as the government has already verified the names of all those who deserve to be compensated.

He asked the Monduli District leadership to conduct a survey of areas surrounding the project to facilitate the construction of houses, industries and business premises in an attractive environment.

Works will be quickly engaged to build vital infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supply lines needed in the project implementation, which demands easy transportation of materials and installation of mineral processing machinery, he elaborated.

The soda ash is important as it will be of help for factories producing glass, medicine and various other products for local and foreign markets, he said.

Festus Kiswaga, the Monduli district commissioner, said that the leadership there was ready for the project, advising local residents to take up opportunities arising from its implementation.

Dr Nicolaus Shombe, the NDC executive director, noted that the NDC has already completed preliminary arrangements to start implementing the project.

It has completed studies on the quantity and quality of soda ash, the project feasibility study, environmental impact assessment and valuation of citizens' assets, he said.

Other preliminary work finished include the construction design for the factory, expected to attain the capacity to produce one million tonnes of soda ash per year, he added.