DODOMA: THE Ministry of Land and Human Settlement Development has launched a thorough audit of all companies engaging in land surveying and formalisation countrywide, in a move aimed at banning those that have been escalating land disputes due to their questionable performance.
This was said in the August House yesterday by minister of the ministry, Deogratius Ndejembi when responding to a supplementary question by Mlalo legislator, Rashid Shangazi (CCM) who expressed his dismay over efficiency of some companies that were being contracted by the ministry in the land formalisation exercise.
“What is the government doing to reduce land conflicts orchestrated by some of these companies that have been taking peoples’ money later failing to deliver to people’s expectations?’’ he asked.
In response, Mr Ndejembi admitted to have spotted some unscrupulous companies that were failing the ministry in the exercise.
He gave an example of one company (without mentioning name) which was contracted by the Dar es Salaam City Council to survey land in the city but ended up bringing disputes as it failed to honour its contractual obligations.
“We have already ordered a refund of the money contributed by land owners whose money was taken by this company and we have equally intervened to ensure that their land is surveyed and the government will provide customary titles to all of them,’’ he said.
Not only that but Mr Ndejembi said that the government would conduct a comprehensive audit of all companies that are entering into contracts with Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to ensure that only the competent and trustful companies are conducting the land formalisation exercise.
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During his main question, Mpendae legislator Toufiq Turky had inquired to know the government’s plan to control unofficial residential areas.
Responding, the minister said his ministry in collaboration with the National Land Use Planning Commission and other authorities dealing with the use of illegal and unformalised land was taking various measures including preparation of robust plans for land use.
“Also, the ministry has so far established different projects and programmes to increase pace in planning, formalisation and issuance of land titles in the country as well as preparing guidelines for integrated and participatory village land use planning, management and administration in the country.
