Kiteto victims ask for food
A section of the area where 15 people died in clashes pitting pastoralists and farmers in Kiteto District. Dozens of houses were also burnt in the violence. PHOTO | MUSSA JUMA
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“During the recent attack, the attackers burnt our houses and confiscated more than 50 bags of our maize leaving us with nothing to eat and yet we still see them walking around without any actions being pursued against them,”
Kiteto. More than 200 people who have been affected by the recent land conflict between farmers and pastoralists in Kiteto District have requested the government to speed up the distribution of food aid.
Speaking with The Citizen at different locations in the district, a section of residents whose houses and stored food were burnt during the clashes said they faced a serious food shortage and have nowhere to live.
The violence left over 15 people dead. More than 70 houses were burnt and food, six motorcycles, 53 bicycles and other property were destroyed.
Mr Godfrey Chatanda, who is a resident of Mtanzania suburb, said since they were attacked during which their shelter, food stuffs were burnt and some other property stolen, they are yet to receive any assistance. “When Prime Minister, Mizengo Pinda visited us here promised that we would be supplied with food aid but we are yet to receive any donation until now,” he said.
“During the recent attack, the attackers burnt our houses and confiscated more than 50 bags of our maize leaving us with nothing to eat and yet we still see them walking around without any actions being pursued against them,” said Stella Paulo who is a resident of Engusero Sidan ward.
However, the Kiteto district commissioner, Martha Umbulla said the government will provide food aid after completing the exercise to remove invaders.
“We have started identifying those who were seriously affected by the violence and thereafter we will offer food aid specifically to the ones facing acute food shortage,” said Ms Umbulla.
