George Simbachawene

The government has said it will not compensate villagers relocated from their areas to pave the way for implementation of Rural Energy Agency (REA) projects.

Energy and Minerals deputy minister George Simbachawene sounded the stand in the House here yesterday when responding to a supplementary question from Magu Urban MP Dr Festus Limbu (CCM).

The lawmaker had wanted to know if the government planned to compensate villagers relocated to pave the way for implementation of REA projects in Magu district, Mwanza region. The Deputy Minister said according to the government policy, in all minor governmental funded projects, such as sending energy to rural areas, victims are not compensated.

“I think we need to give this special priority, sending electricity to rural areas in the country is enough for community members to give room for the government to implement the strategy,” he argued.