Mount Lwepsi refuted
Sengerema Council chairman Yanga Makaga addresses residents at Karumo Village in Mwanza Region yesterday in a bid to resove a dispute over the ownership of the land on Mount Lwepsi. PHOTO|NGOLLO JOHN
What you need to know:
Sengerema district solicitor, Simon William, who travelled to the village to resolve the issue that involved village leaders and one resident, namely, Tiba Nsiyonka who claimed to own the mountain.
Mwanza . The dispute that erupted over the ownership of Mount Lwepsi by one Tiba Nsiyonka in Karamo village of Sengerema district has been resolved after the claimant was informed of the legal position regarding ownership of mountains, rivers, lakes and other natural resources in the country.
Sengerema district solicitor, Simon William, who travelled to the village to resolve the issue that involved village leaders and one resident, namely, Tiba Nsiyonka who claimed to own the mountain.
The district solicitor told the hundreds of villagers who attended the mediation session that mountains, rivers and lakes are not owned by individuals, but are public resources managed by the government.
“That is why any human activities, including construction and agriculture within 60 meters from a water source, river or mountain are prohibited even when such area is owned by an individual,” explained the solicitor.
Speaking at the meeting the Council’s chairman, Yanga Makaga, who doubles as the area councilor, urged residents to cease human activity in the area of the mountain and all public places to avoid legal action against them.
Nyamatongo Ward Executive Officer, Zuberi Seogasu promised to conduct an investigation to identify village leaders and executives who encroach on public land before taking legal action. He said such wrong doers deny other people the right to use public areas.
