New projects reshape Zanzibar land sector

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR government has launched legal reforms, new land-use plans and major housing projects during the first 100 days of President Hussein Mwinyi’s second term, aimed at strengthening land security and expanding urban development across the islands.

Presenting the ministry’s progress report, the Minister for Lands and Housing Development, Ms Rahma Kassim Ali said the initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to modernising land administration, improving housing services and promoting sustainable settlement planning.

Among the key reforms underway is the review of the 2018 Zanzibar Land Policy, which is being conducted in collaboration with the Ardhi Institute of Dar es Salaam as a technical consultant.

The ministry is also finalising a new Urban Development and Housing Policy to guide future planning and housing development.

In addition, the government is preparing to repeal the 1994 Land Tribunal Act and replace it with a new Land and Rent Tribunal Act, 2026, aimed at strengthening the legal framework for handling land and tenancy disputes.

“Preparations are also underway to review the Condominium Act and establish a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the strata property sector,” the minister said.

On land-use planning, the ministry has designated an additional 243.96 hectares at the Dunga Zuze Industrial Area to expand space for industrial investment in response to growing demand.

Land parcel identification has also been completed for 477 plots in Unguja, including Maungani and Makunduchi and 67 plots in Pemba covering Makangale, Mfikiwa and Pujini. Similar exercises are expected to begin in Fumba and Bweleo as part of efforts to formalise land ownership and improve land management.

The ministry has also conducted preliminary planning and surveying on Uzi Island following the rise in land value triggered by the construction of the Uzi–Ng’ambwa Bridge.

Community consultations have been held to guide the preparation of a structured land-use plan aimed at preventing unplanned development.

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In Pemba, a special landuse plan for Kojani Island has been prepared, where 142 residential plots and two plots for social services have been surveyed to support orderly settlement. Meanwhile, the ministry has intensified efforts to resolve land disputes through special mediation committees.

Over the past 100 days, 15 disputes in Unguja and seven in Pemba have been resolved. In the housing sector, several construction projects are progressing across the islands.

At Chumbuni, four buildings containing 180 housing units have been completed, representing 16.4 per cent of a larger project that will deliver 1,095 housing units across 22 buildings.

The Kisakasaka ‘B’ housing project, which will deliver 548 units, has reached six per cent completion, while Kisakasaka ‘D’, comprising 312 units, has reached eight per cent completion.

The Mombasa Housing and Commercial Project Phase Two, which includes 22 residential units and commercial spaces, is nearing completion at 69 per cent.

Preparations have also been finalised for the construction of a 180-unit housing project in Mabaoni, Chake-Chake in Pemba.

Ms Rahma said the achievements recorded during the first 100 days demonstrate the government’s commitment to strengthening land administration, expanding affordable housing and supporting sustainable urban development across Zanzibar.