(Arusha) – The Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) is facing a significant dispute with over 450 tenants who have been served with a notice to vacate their homes within 60 to 90 days. The tenants, who have lived in the houses for more than 40 years, argue that the short notice is unfair and that they were not consulted before the decision was made.
On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the tenants residing in the Kijenge area of Arusha expressed their frustration over the sudden eviction notice, claiming they were given insufficient time to vacate the properties. They feel that the notice does not reflect fairness and that they should have been consulted, as the decision to move was not a matter of a unilateral choice but something that should have been a discussion between both parties.
Deepak Teja, a tenant who has lived in the area for over 35 years, spoke with the media at the location of the properties. He shared his concerns about the 60-day notice, calling it a difficult and abrupt decision. He argued that if AICC had consulted them earlier, the tenants could have had a discussion and reached a mutual agreement on how to proceed.
“I have lived here for more than 35 years, and there are others who have been here for over 40 years. We have consistently paid rent and contributed to government revenue without any issues. Now, we are being asked to leave as if we are refugees, just because a project is being planned. Why weren’t we included in the discussions so we could reach an amicable agreement? We will not leave until we receive a clear explanation for this sudden decision,” Teja said.
The tenants’ concerns were confirmed by Assah Mwambene, the Public Relations Officer for AICC. Mwambene stated that the notices given to the tenants were legitimate and that they are required to vacate the premises to make way for a new investment project.
“AICC has served the eviction notices to all tenants, requiring them to vacate the premises within 60 to 90 days to allow for a new project. No procedures or laws have been violated in this process. If tenants are unwilling to move, we will have to wait for the time given in the notice to expire before taking further action,” Mwambene said.
One of the tenants, Subira Mawenya, expressed her concerns about the suddenness of the notice and the lack of time to make proper arrangements. Mawenya, who has a large family, requested that AICC extend the deadline by at least six months, as the notice falls during the busy end-of-year holiday season, making it difficult to find alternative accommodation within such a short time frame.
“I have a large family. If you tell me to vacate in 60 or 90 days, it means I must leave by January. But where should I go? We kindly ask for at least six more months to allow us time to find another place to live,” Mawenya said.
The AICC’s notice to tenants, which was obtained by Mwananchi, explains that the lease agreements for the houses in Kijenge have been terminated to facilitate the implementation of strategic projects in the area.
According to clause 4 (vii) of the lease agreement, “If the landlord requires the property for their own use, a 90-day notice will be given to the tenant at the specified address or location. After the notice period expires, the tenant must vacate the property and hand over the house to the landlord.” The AICC’s letter to tenants further states, “AICC is issuing a 90-day notice for the termination of your lease from the date of receipt of this letter to allow for the implementation of strategic projects in the area. Please ensure that you remove all your belongings and vacate the house by the specified date.”