K.M. Sachania

My father (K M Sachania) had a shop in Mto-wa-Mbu, where he stocked provisions for locals and for tourists (even cheese, chocolate and coca cola). He arrived in Mto-wa-Mbu (I think in the 1930s - as a young man and as many Indians did, set up shop in a hand-made corrugated hut), by the 1940s there was a proper bricks and mortar building which got larger as he married, and children came along.

He spoke several african languages and became a highly esteemed figure within the local community. It was a proud day when he was granted the 'caltex' Petrol Agency and a few years later the postal agency.

We left Mto-wa-Mbu in 1973 to come to UK, he sadly could not adjust to a life in a cold damp country and succumbed to a stroke and died after a long illness in 1986. He was survived by his wife and 3 daughters.

I am one of the daughters (youngest) and In 2008, I am returning to Arusha for a holiday almost exactly (27th September) 35 years after we left the country. I am looking forward to it and hope to share some of my thoughts with you on return.