MORE than 75 per cent of Tanzanians live in urban areas in unplanned settlements, the situation contributed by the government slow pace in urban planning drive.
The remarks were made here yesterday by Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Dr Philemon Sengati at the opening of a task meeting that among others, reviewed the implementation of the Strategic Plan for 2020/21, and discussed challenges on solutions to land conflicts as well completing the implementation of National Land Formalization Plan on settlements for 2013- 2023.
Dr Sengati said the situation has created unplanned settlements in many urban areas; this has
pushed the government to introduce the National Land Formalization Plan on settlements for
2013-2023 that involves the private sector in land formalization drive aimed at increasing the
pace of land planning.
The RC added that the aim is to increase the land planning and formalization pace to enhance
the security on land ownership and empower the people in regards their land as capital for their
own economic development.
For his part, Shinyanga District Commissioner, Jasinta Mboneko called on land experts to make
sure they finalize land conflicts in Shinyanga Region through surveying that should take consideration of community activities including areas for construction of schools.
"Land should be surveyed, but also we should set aside areas for investment as well as for social activities", said the DC.
Ezekiel Kitilya, Director of Land Department in Shinyanga Region said the task meeting has brought together land stakeholders in Shinyanga region including the NMB Bank that is included following a new procedure that ensures people are assured of security for their land while the government receive its revenue.
He added that land stakeholders in Shinyanga region have attended the meeting in order to build up an understanding, but also to make an assessment of the aims they set for themselves including implementing the National Land Formalization Plan on settlements for 2013-2023.