Ulega pledges equality in allocating 144 low-cost housing units

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Minister for Works, Abdallah Ulega has announced that youth in formal and self-employment will be prioritised in the allocation of government-built affordable housing in Dar es Salaam.

The minister made the announcement when inspecting the construction of 144 low-cost housing units by the Tanzania Buildings Agency (TBA) in Temeke District, Dar es Salaam, saying the move responds to the growing difficulty youth face in accessing decent and affordable accommodation.

“These 144 units are in Dar es Salaam, but President Samia Suluhu Hassan has also approved similar housing projects in Dodoma and other major cities to address this challenge,” he said.

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Elaborating, the minister said that of the units under construction, 72 are one-bedroom houses with a living room, kitchen and bathroom, while the other 72 are two-bedroom units, including a self-contained master bedroom, living room, kitchen and a shared bathroom.

He said the programme will be gradually expanded to other regions as part of the government’s broader commitment to ensure equitable access to decent and affordable housing for youth across the country.

“Many youth workers and self-employed individuals are forced to live far from their workplaces due to limited housing options, a situation that affects productivity,” he said.

Moreover, he said that developing housing projects in urban areas with greater economic opportunities, the government aims to enable youth to spend more time on productive activities rather than commuting long distances or searching for accommodation.

Furthermore, he stated that affordable housing is not solely the responsibility of the Ministry of Works, but a key component of long-term national development plans under the Tanzania Development Vision 2050.