Residents affected by the Kiteezi landfill collapse are
upset with the new decision by the Prime Minister's office to offer them new
houses to be constructed in Dundu Mukono for which they will have to pay the
costs in installments.
Last week, the Minister of State for Housing, Percis Namuganza, said government
would construct over 600 houses for the victims of the Kiteezi landfill
disaster. At least Shs84 billion is
expected to be allocated for the construction of three-bedroom houses by Bulwadda
Estates Ltd on KCCA land in Ddundu Mukono district.
However, the beneficiaries will be
required to repay the cost through deductions from their valued Kiteezi land.
This decision has left many of the victims unhappy, as they feel they were not
consulted on whether they prefer houses or compensation, which they have been
waiting for long.
Speaking to Uganda Radio Network-URN some of the survivors have expressed disappointment with the decision, stating
that government officials are making decisions without considering their
opinions.
Gonzanga Nkondwe one of the Kiteezi survivors, said many of them are frustrated by such a decision, instead of receiving the promised compensation, they are
now being told that the government plans to construct houses for them on loans.
Gonzaga stated: "We reject the Minister's plan to
construct houses for us. What we want is the government to value our lost
properties and provide fair compensation. Once compensated, we will decide
where to relocate or, if the landfill is removed, we will remain on our own
land."
David Musinguzi, who tragically lost
family members in the disaster, expressed dismay for the government's decision
to construct houses for the affected families, which they will pay in loans. He
said the situation hasn’t been good for them.
"My parents worked hard to buy
land and build a home for us here," Musinguzi said. "Now, the government is telling us that
they will construct houses for us in Mukono, but we will have to pay loans. This is
a mockery. How can we afford to pay loans for houses when our businesses were destroyed? Why can't they just
provide us with some compensation, and then we can take care of
ourselves?"
The affected residents are calling on the Office of the Prime Minister to engage with them directly and understand
their needs. They want the government to inquire about their preferences regarding
compensation or relocation, rather than imposing a decision on them.
//Cue in; “bajje batule…
Cue out... naffe batwebuzeko. ”//
Others are insisting that the
government stick to its original plan of providing them with compensation for
their lost properties, which would enable them to start anew, wherever they
choose, rather than being relocated to Mukono unwillingly.
//Cue in; “bakwate sente…
Cue out... batusasule akatono”//
A devastating tragedy occurred in
August 2024 when a garbage dump collapsed, resulting in catastrophic
consequences. The disaster claimed the lives of at least 35 people, displaced
dozens more, and destroyed valuable property as homes were buried under the
rubble.