Govt urges Misungwi residents to embrace land formalisation
MWANZA: THE government has urged residents of Misungwi District in Mwanza Region to take advantage of the ongoing land surveying and formalisation exercise to resolve land disputes and prevent new conflicts between villages, individuals and different land-use areas.
Commissioner for Lands, Mr Nathaniel Mathew, made the assurance recently during a ceremony to distribute 668 land titles in Rubuga Village, Misungwi District.
He also stressed the importance of continuing to educate the public on land laws and proper land use.
He said many land disputes have resulted from the absence of legally recognised boundaries and inadequate understanding of land ownership rights.
ALSO READ: Gwajima urges safer digital spaces for women
“Let us not create new land conflicts between villages and citizens. Land education should continue so that every citizen understands his or her rights and responsibilities,” he said.
For his part, Misungwi Constituency Member of Parliament Mr Silvery Luboja said the land surveying exercise presents an important opportunity for community development and urged councillors, village leaders and land experts to ensure citizens participate fully.
He noted that residents of Usagara Division have shown strong interest in having their land surveyed and urged them to continue cooperating with land experts.
“Everyone should fulfil their responsibility so that this exercise succeeds and citizens benefit from formal land ownership,” he said.
The MP also urged land experts to adopt effective survey strategies for mountainous and difficult terrain to ensure no residents are left behind.
He further emphasised the need to continue educating citizens on proper land purchase procedures to prevent fraud and disputes arising from informal transactions.
Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development Dr Leonard Akwilapo said the government will continue strengthening the land formalisation programme because of its significant benefits to citizens.
He said formalisation will help resolve land disputes, enhance security of tenure and enable citizens to use their land as a productive development asset.
“This exercise will greatly help resolve land conflicts and enable citizens to legally own their land,” he said.
Dr Akwilapo added that his ministry will continue collaborating with various stakeholders in land surveying while encouraging citizens to seize the opportunity.
He said land planning and management authorities will continue receiving priority in government budget allocations to strengthen the land sector and support national development.
