Compensation for JNIA expansion finally out 27 years after relocations

Dar es Salaam. The government has begun compensating residents of Kipunguni, who were relocated nearly 27 years ago to allow the expansion of Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA).

Initially, in the first assessment conducted in 1997, a total of 1,865 residents were set to receive compensations worth Sh7.7 billion under the previous law, which only valued houses and other assets but not land.

However, after the amendment of the law, the residents will now receive a total of Sh143.9 billion under the current law reviewed in 2016, which includes compensation for land, assets, and houses.

The payments will begin this week, according to Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) director general Abdul Mombokaleo, who briefed reporters on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

He stated that the payments will be made in phases, with eligible residents receiving their compensation every month as funds are released by the government.

“I sincerely sympathise with the residents for their patience all these years. Now that the funds have been allocated, you will be compensated according to the assessments conducted. No one will be left out. We call upon you to continue being patient while this exercise is underway,” he said during the press conference also attended by some individuals affected by the relocation.

He also directed his officials to ensure that the process moves swiftly so that people can receive their rightful compensation without bureaucratic delays, emphasising that the filling out of forms by the concerned parties should be done quickly.

According to him, in the first phase, 203 residents will be compensated with a total of Sh20 billion, and payments will begin immediately after completing the required forms.

After that, they will be given notice to officially vacate the area.

For her part, JNIA director Ms Bertha Bankwa said that the expansion will enable the airport to upgrade from grade 4C to 4F, allowing it to accommodate larger planes such as the Airbus A380.

“Currently, such planes can land at JNIA only in emergencies or under special circumstances but not for daily business. Therefore, the expansion will allow the airport to upgrade and attract large planes to land in our country,” she said.

Ms Bankwa said that the area will be utilised as another source of revenue through investments in hotels, conference rooms, maintenance, and cargo services.

“This area is crucial for generating alternative revenue instead of relying on a single source. In case of a disaster like Covid-9, the airport will not be severely affected,” she added.

On the other hand, Segerea Member of Parliament Ms Bonnah Kamoli acknowledged that the residents had faced many challenges while seeking compensation, as there had been numerous meetings without success.

However, she expressed relief that the process had finally reached its conclusion, and the residents would now receive their money.

“From the bottom of my heart, I sympathise with the residents of this area for their patience. I also thank the government for addressing this challenge, which has been a concern throughout my nine years in Parliament.”

One of the area resident, Mr Michael Mika, said the uncertain waiting for 27 years was not easy.

“Some of us were still young when we were told to relocate, and now we have grown old. It is a relief to finally be informed that compensation will be provided,” he said.