Farmers from Gesima ward who have planted crops along major roads have until Friday to get rid of them, Riamoni chief has said.
Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with residents, Francis Rasugu said many residents had extended their farming to government-designated lands contrary to the law, making it impossible for authorities to extend the road networks in the region.
This comes moments after contractors of Metamaywa-Kebirigo road complained of facing difficulties when constructing the road following alleged hostilities from area residents.
The chief said it was illegal for residents to cultivate along the roads since it gives government headache to expand the roads for better services.
“Cultivation along roads should cease from today. I have given those who have done so till Friday to get rid of their property before we chip in as government and seize them,” he said.
“It is illegal and apparently, we have received complaints from major roads contractors. Those areas are designated for the government to maintain the roads and hence no one will be allowed to use the land for farming or any other businesses,” he said.
However, some residents expressed their discontent with the directive, terming it as dictatorial and unconstitutional since the period given was little.
“I don’t think the chief is genuine with his directive. Long gone are days of dictatorship because we have a new constitution in place. He should extend the timeline given,” said Alex Nyaberi, an area resident.