Samia’s directive restores fresh hope in Ngorongoro

Dar es Salaam. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is undergoing significant transformation following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s August directive to restore essential services in the area.

This intervention has provided much-needed relief to residents, who have faced years of neglect and human rights concerns.

Speaking yesterday in Dar es Salaam, the National Coordinator of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), Mr Onesmo Olengurumwa, acknowledged the historical challenges that had plagued the region, stating that Ngorongoro had been subjected to various economic, social, and political restrictions.

“Over Sh4 billion meant to ensure access to basic services was diverted to other areas,” Mr Olengurumwa revealed, highlighting how these constraints adversely affected the community.

In response to these challenges, President Samia dispatched a high-level team consisting of Prof Palamagamba Kabudi, William Lukuvi, and Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda.

This delegation was tasked with engaging the community to address their grievances.

Two days after the President’s directive, the Ngorongoro District Council launched a comprehensive assessment of the community’s immediate needs.

The findings indicated that at least Sh2 billion was required to rehabilitate critical infrastructure, including schools, health centres, and roads.

“Funds have already been disbursed to village and school accounts, marking a significant step forward,” he revealed.

According to him, for instance, some schools have received Sh22 million allocated for constructing 12 new toilets, for each school.

Additionally, Sh200 million was set aside for completing dormitories at Alailelai Secondary School, where over 1,000 students had previously shared a single dormitory.

Mr Olengurumwa lauded the swift action by the council, saying, “Despite ongoing challenges, these initiatives give us confidence that things will improve significantly.”

He added that the renovation work is expected to be completed by January 2025, ensuring that students returning after the December holiday will benefit from improved facilities.

The reforms, however, are not limited to infrastructure rehabilitation. Residents no longer have to pay parking fees for their vehicles, and the entry deadline into the conservation area has been extended from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, easing some of the daily restrictions they previously faced.

Despite these improvements, Mr Olengurumwa emphasised that more needs to be done to fully address the community's challenges.

He called for the Ngorongoro Conservation Authority to issue permits for new construction projects and urged the government to lift restrictions on civil society organisations that have been barred from assisting the community for years.

“Civil society organisations should be allowed to participate fully in improving the living conditions in Ngorongoro,” he said.

The Catholic-run Endulen Hospital, which previously received over Sh300 million annually for renovations, has yet to see its funding restored. Mr Olengurumwa stressed the importance of resuming such financial support to ensure access to quality healthcare.

According to him, residents reported that officials have been visiting the area more frequently to address complaints and identify solutions.

“For the first time, we feel like Tanzanians again,” one resident said, expressing relief at the government’s renewed engagement.

He further noted that while ongoing renovations are a positive development, additional funding will be required to construct new buildings and improve the overall infrastructure.

“Rehabilitation is not enough,” he said, adding that the Ngorongoro Conservation Authority and the district council must collaborate more effectively to fullfill their shared responsibilities under the 1979 Act that established the authority.

Residents are hopeful that the government’s actions will continue to bring about meaningful changes in the conservation area.

He said the President’s directive has sparked a renewed sense of unity and optimism, signalising a turning point for the Ngorongoro community after years of marginalization.

While challenges remain, the progress made thus far underscores the potential for sustainable development and improved livelihoods in the region.

However, Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda, while presenting his six-month performance report yesterday, announced that President Samia is scheduled to meet with Ngorongoro residents on December 1.

“This meeting is anticipated to further strengthen the trust and collaboration between the government and the community as they work together to resolve remaining challenges,” he said.