Mwinyi gets tough on illegal construction

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has directed Regional Commissioners to strictly enforce land laws and plan guidelines to curb unauthorised construction, which continues to cost the government large sums in unnecessary compensation payments.

President Mwinyi issued the directive during the official closing ceremony of Land and Housing Week, held on Tuesday at the New Amani Complex in Urban West Region.

He said that only landowners with valid titles and permits will be eligible for government compensation, particularly in areas needed for development projects.

Individuals who have encroached on road reserves, public open spaces or government-owned lands will not be compensated.

“The government cannot continue to pay large sums to people who build illegally in reserved areas, without any official documents. This trend must stop,” Dr Mwinyi said.

He pointed out that many government farms and land reserves have already been illegally occupied and developed, leading to a shortage of available land. He gave examples of rubber plantations and other state-owned lands that have been invaded, cautioning that such individuals should not expect compensation.

“Let it be clear, if someone builds in a government area without permission, they will not be compensated,” he warned.

The President urged local authorities, starting from Shehas, district officers to Regional Commissioners, to ensure that no construction is allowed without the proper permits, stressing the importance of order and planning in urban development.

“As you travel from Urban to North or South Unguja, you see unplanned construction everywhere, even on clearly designated government lands. This must stop,” he said.

Dr Mwinyi reiterated the government’s commitment to modern, well-planned cities with proper infrastructure including roads, water and electricity, enabling people to live in dignified housing.

ALSO READ: Govt issues stop order of illegal construction

He also announced that the government will continue investing in affordable housing and tasked relevant institutions to fulfill their responsibilities in land management.

As part of the Land and Housing Week celebrations, several initiatives were launched, including the Electronic Condominium Management System, a National Property Valuation Guideline and handing over of detailed land-use plans to Regional Commissioners.

Dr Mwinyi commended the Ministry of Lands and Housing for its innovation in establishing the Land and Housing Week, encouraging that the event be held annually to educate the public and promote better land use.

The theme for this year’s commemoration, “Proper Land Use and Housing as a Catalyst for Development.” highlights the importance of sustainable land management for both current and future generations.

Dr Mwinyi stressed that land is a limited and valuable resource that must be protected for national development, including sectors such as tourism, agriculture, industry and public services.

He also praised the Ministry’s efforts to develop the new Property Valuation Guideline, which aims to ensure transparency, fairness and consistency in compensation for land acquired for development projects.

Minister for Lands and Housing, Ms Rahma Kassim Ali, urged citizens to treat land as a shared national resource that must be preserved through joint efforts.

She expressed gratitude to President Mwinyi for his leadership, which she said has significantly improved the ministry’s operations and helped reduce land disputes.

The ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ms Mhaza Gharib Juma, said that over 3,570 land plots have been formally identified, with 303 legal titles issued to citizens.

He said the newly launched valuation guideline outlines steps, standards and procedures to ensure fair and timely compensation for development projects.

On behalf of Zanzibar’s regional leaders, South Unguja Regional Commissioner Mr Ayoub Mohammed Mahmoud welcomed the new detailed land-use plans, describing them as essential tools to prevent misuse of land and enforce proper development controls.

He affirmed the regions’ readiness to collaborate with the Ministry to ensure that Zanzibar’s land retains its value, appearance, and integrity for future generations.