HeidelbergCement’s Tanzanian unit may close its Wazo Hill plant unless the government removes 952 people illegally occupying its premises, the Dar es Salaam-based Guardian reported, citing Sam Mapande, the company’s lawyer.

The squatters refused to move until the government pays them compensation following a dispute over ownership of the land, the newspaper said. In 2008, a domestic court ruled that the company is the owner of the land and the government promised to relocate the villagers, it said.

The state may lose TZS25bn (US$15.6m) in annual tax revenue if the factory closes, it said.