The help comes after an outcry by civic society and the media that residents were living in squalid conditions.
International Organisation on Migration, in partnership with Norwegian Refugee Committee, will bankroll the construction of 23 houses for the victims. The local authority will supply land for construction.
City Town Clerk, Obert Muzawazi, confirmed the development, saying the victims have suffered untold hardships over the past nine years.
“The residents of Mushando bar have been living in squatter-like, refugee conditions,” said Muzawazi.
He said vulnerable groups, such as women and children, were exposed to abuse and poor health and social conditions.
“After a professional baseline study and profiling processes by NRC and the local authority it was established that 23 households required decent accommodation. The exercise will start this month,” said Muzawazi. He said the council was indebted to the two organisations for a clear show of kindness towards less fortunate members of the society. One of the beneficiaries, only identified as Martha, could not hide his joy after receiving the news. She thanked the NGOs for coming to their rescue.
“God has answered our prayers. We have been subjected to inhumane treatment for nine years. Shelter is a basic human right and our government has an obligation to provide this for its citizens. These NGOs are doing a great job in alleviating poverty in our communities,” she said.
Post published in: News