Tanzania, June 2 -- Lindi/Mtwara. Behind the silence surrounding the Nyengedi project lie stories of residents who surrendered land in anticipation of development, only to be left in uncertainty without compensation and with little explanation from authorities.

An investigation by The Citizen has established that the project not only failed to take off as promised, but also left a trail of hardship for villagers who gave up land for the investment.

Among them is Mr Ismail Mituka of Nyengedi Ward, who says residents willingly surrendered their land after being assured the project would bring jobs and transform livelihoods.

"We were told this was a major project that would improve our lives, so we agreed to give up our land," he says.

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