In short
The affected houses, located in Kimanya B, Kimanya A, Kisuuna and Katafaali zones, were cited for demolition after a survey undertaken by the area local government leadership. The survey found that many of the houses were constructed in road reserves and without approved plans, according to Masaka Town Clerk Innocent Ahimbisibwe.
Residents of Kimanya-Kyabakuza in Masaka Municipality are panicking following an order to demolish at least 100 houses allegedly constructed in a road reserve.
The affected houses, located in Kimanya B, Kimanya A, Kisuuna and Katafaali zones, were cited for demolition after a survey undertaken by the area local government leadership. The survey found that many of the houses were constructed in road reserves and without approved plans, according to Masaka Town Clerk Innocent Ahimbisibwe.
The Town Clerk says the access routes will be opened up to improve infrastructure in the municipality adding that none of the affected people is eligible for compensation.
However, the directive has aroused panic among the affected residents who are now petitioning Masaka Municipal Council to block the demolition.
Achilles Mawanda, an owner of residential and commercial buildings in the area says he secured an approved plan to construct the premises but was equally shocked to have the same structures blacklisted. Mawanda possesses a plan approved by former Masaka Municipal Physical Planner Sarafino Olet.
He says although the municipality has indicated they will not compensate him, demolition of his property is illegal.
// Cue in: "The plan was…
Cue out: …on your house."//
Edward Kayinja, another affected person says that although he secured a plan, the municipaity law enforcement officers told him his entire gate is in the middle of the road and will be demolished.
But the municipality has declined to explain circumstances under which persons with approved plans secured them. At the time of filing this report, the affected persons were enclosed in a meeting with Joe Walusimbi, the Masaka Resident District Commissioner, to chat a way forward.
However, Godfrey Kayemba, the Masaka Mayor says people took advantage of the laxity in enforcement to construct in road reserves. He says unapproved construction has created slums in an area which was formerly an organized residential settlement.
// Cue in: " You can't have…
Cue out: …need these accesses."//
The affected houses, located in Kimanya B, Kimanya A, Kisuuna and Katafaali zones, were cited for demolition after a survey undertaken by the area local government leadership. The survey found that many of the houses were constructed in road reserves and without approved plans, according to Masaka Town Clerk Innocent Ahimbisibwe.
The Town Clerk says the access routes will be opened up to improve infrastructure in the municipality adding that none of the affected people is eligible for compensation.
However, the directive has aroused panic among the affected residents who are now petitioning Masaka Municipal Council to block the demolition.
Achilles Mawanda, an owner of residential and commercial buildings in the area says he secured an approved plan to construct the premises but was equally shocked to have the same structures blacklisted. Mawanda possesses a plan approved by former Masaka Municipal Physical Planner Sarafino Olet.
He says although the municipality has indicated they will not compensate him, demolition of his property is illegal.
// Cue in: "The plan was…
Cue out: …on your house."//
Edward Kayinja, another affected person says that although he secured a plan, the municipaity law enforcement officers told him his entire gate is in the middle of the road and will be demolished.
But the municipality has declined to explain circumstances under which persons with approved plans secured them. At the time of filing this report, the affected persons were enclosed in a meeting with Joe Walusimbi, the Masaka Resident District Commissioner, to chat a way forward.
However, Godfrey Kayemba, the Masaka Mayor says people took advantage of the laxity in enforcement to construct in road reserves. He says unapproved construction has created slums in an area which was formerly an organized residential settlement.
// Cue in: " You can't have…
Cue out: …need these accesses."//
