Tanzania considers scrapping land tribunals after the countrywide expansion of courts

DODOMA: THE Tanzanian government is considering scrapping land tribunals following the expansion of courts across the country,  Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has told Parliamentarians.

Speaking at the parliament in Dodoma on Thursday, the Prime Minister stated that the government is assessing whether there was still a need for land tribunals, given the increased number of courts capable of handling land-related disputes.

The Prime Minister was responding to a question from Bunda MP, Esther Bulaya, who sought to know the government’s position on measures being taken to address land conflicts.

According to Bulaya, more than 50 per cent of complaints raised by citizens during the Prime Minister’s tours of various parts of the country had involved land disputes.

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Elaborating, the Premier noted that the government recognises the widespread nature of land conflicts, including disputes between citizens, farmers and pastoralists, communities living around protected areas, as well as conflicts involving citizens and investors and it is implementing various measures to resolve the disputes, including paying compensation to citizens who were entitled to it.

Moreover, he commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for allocating funds for compensation in various areas as part of efforts to resolve land conflicts.

“I urge Tanzanians to adhere to proper land-use plans and respect areas designated for specific activities, areas designated for farming, livestock keeping, conservation, settlements and other activities must be respected to prevent unnecessary conflicts,” he said.