Joseph Isangura
In a bold move to address the growing issue of land encroachment, Tanzanian Prime Minister Kasim Majaliwa has called on all relevant authorities to treat land grabbers as common criminals and take swift action against them.
Majaliwa’s directive came during the launch of the Land Clinic initiative at the Parliament grounds in Dodoma, where he emphasized the need for a comprehensive response to this pressing problem.
“All institutions dealing with criminal matters must continue to take action against land encroachment as another form of crime, and this issue must be addressed quickly,” Majaliwa stated, as his remarks were read by the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliamentary Affairs and Coordination), Jenista Mhagama.
According to the Prime Minister’s speech, the directive stems from the unfortunate reality that some citizens are deliberately violating the law by illegally occupying areas with legitimate ownership, often targeting the land of the less fortunate and using their power and influence to seize the property of others.
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“Sometimes, even public institutions’ legally owned areas have been encroached upon and used contrary to the country’s laws and regulations,” Majaliwa added.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the continued release of land grabbers is perpetuating conflicts related to land invasions in various parts of the country. He, therefore, called on all land-owning institutions to continue collaborating with the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development to verify ownership and take swift action in cases of encroachment, urging Members of Parliament to assist the ministry, especially in cases of procedural violations.
Regarding the Land Clinic initiative he inaugurated, Majaliwa expressed satisfaction with its effective and transparent service delivery, and he called for the Ministry to continue implementing the clinics in other regions and districts nationwide.
On his part, the Minister of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development, Jerry Silaa, stated that the launch of the Land Clinic exhibition is a strategic plan by the Ministry to ensure that all citizens with land-related needs or challenges receive prompt and efficient service in their respective areas.
This decisive move by the Tanzanian government underscores the urgency to address the growing menace of land encroachment, which has fueled conflicts and deprived rightful owners of their properties. By empowering relevant institutions to treat land grabbers as criminals and providing efficient land service delivery through the Land Clinic initiative, the government aims to restore order, protect property rights, and promote sustainable land use for the benefit of all Tanzanians.
