THE government has allocated 6.8bn/- to compensate residents of Ngombo village in Malinyi District, Morogoro Region, who live within the Kilombero Game Reserve, to facilitate their relocation to areas outside the reserve.

Joseph Chuwa,  Morogoro regional natural resources officer has announced over the weekend during a follow-up visit to Malinyi District, where he addressed the procedures for the residents' relocation and the disbursement of funds through their mobile phone accounts, as well as any minor challenges they encountered.

Chuwa explained that the relocation process began three years ago, with residents being sensitised about the need to move to support conservation efforts.

"At this stage, we are executing the relocation, and it is progressing smoothly. The people are at peace and have long been prepared to move to their areas of their choice ," Chuwa said.

He added that the residents of Ngombo village are grateful to President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for approving the compensation funds, with each beneficiary receiving the  entitled amount in their accounts.

"Many residents did not believe they would be compensated so quickly, and already, they have begun demolishing their houses and voluntarily relocating to vacate the area for conservation purposes," Chuwa stated.

Chuwa further noted that Ngombo village, located in a wetland area, is expected to improve water flow of the Rufiji River. This will aid electricity generation at the Nyerere Dam and support the return of various wildlife species, including endangered animals.

"In this conservation area, there are rare species, such as the shoebill stork, with 70 per cent of the world’s population of this bird found in the Kilombero valley," Chuwa explained.

The regional officer also highlighted that Ngombo village is bordered by two large rivers, the Mpanga and Mnyera, making the area like an island.

Chuwa also pointed out that the government’s decision has benefited the residents, as during heavy rainfall, a quarter of the village is affected by flooding, forcing residents to use boats. Schools are often closed, creating hazardous conditions.

Jonas Makwati, Senior Assistant Commissioner of the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), confirmed that Ngombo village is located within the Kilombero Game Reserve.

Makwati, who serves as the southern highlands conservation officer for TAWA, stated that the Kilombero Reserve was newly established by the government in 2023. He noted that the village had been situated within the reserve's boundaries, and a government directive requires residents to relocate outside the reserve.

Makwati added that once the relocation is completed, the residents will have moved, and those who have already been compensated have started removing some of their belongings, including roofing materials from their houses.

Idelfonce Mtima, Morogoro regional land valuer, confirmed that all necessary procedures have been completed to allow the residents to move  out and vacate the area.

Mtima stated that 1,056 residents are being compensated, with 807 verified and entitled to payments, while over 249 others are still undergoing verification. He noted that the process is ongoing.

"I urge the residents to follow the procedures. Those who fail to comply with the relocation schedule will have to bear the costs of their relocation," Mtima emphasised.

Some of the residents who have been verified and compensated for vacating the village have expressed their gratitude to the government for paying them their entitlements on time and have agreed to move voluntarily.