Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, has officially handed over 109 houses constructed for victims of the mudslide disaster that occurred on December 3, 2023, in Hanang a district in the Northern region of Tanzania, Manyara. The disaster claimed 89 lives and destroyed homes and other infrastructure in the area.
The decision to build new homes for those who completely lost their houses was made on December 7, 2024, following a visit by President Samia Suluhu Hassan. During her visit, she directed that an assessment be conducted and contributions be allocated towards constructing homes for the victims.
“This construction is a symbol of care, love, and the sincere commitment of our top leader, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, as well as the collective contributions of citizens who donated money and various materials,” Majaliwa stated during the handover ceremony, where he presented 20 title deeds to some of the beneficiaries.
READ: Hanang Disaster: Survival Stories, ‘I thought the floods had affected the entire world
Of the 109 houses, 35 were built by the Tanzania Red Cross Society, funded through support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which financed 33 houses, and the Spanish Red Cross, which funded the remaining two.
“The completion of these houses is a testament to the power of unity in our nation, Tanzania. Today, we celebrate the fruits of collaboration in building 109 houses, including the Red Cross’s contribution of 35 houses, symbolizing the unity that defines us as Tanzanians,” Secretary General of the Tanzania Red Cross Society, Lucia Pande said.
She added: “Together, we have provided shelter, peace, and security for these families and helped rebuild their lives.”
Prime Minister Majaliwa also took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of disaster preparedness across the country.
“This disaster has clearly shown the importance of having a robust strategy for disaster mitigation, from the individual level to the national level. In this regard, we emphasize constructing in safe areas and ensuring infrastructure is resilient to potential disasters,” he remarked.
The government clarified that the ability to construct homes for the Hanang mudslide victims was made possible due to contributions from individuals, institutions, and international stakeholders. However, Majaliwa stressed that there should not be an expectation that whenever a disaster strikes government will build new houses.
“Let me emphasize, that this does not mean that houses will always be built for people whenever disasters occur. It happened in Hanang because stakeholders, even from international communities, responded with substantial contributions, enough to build houses for those who lost their homes,” Majaliwa explained.
