Tanzania considers scrapping land tribunals after countrywide expansion of courts
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The Tanzanian government is assessing whether land tribunals are still needed now that courts across the country can handle land-related disputes, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has told Parliament.
The Tanzanian government is considering scrapping land tribunals following the expansion of courts across the country, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba told Parliament in Dodoma on Thursday.
Speaking during the parliamentary session, Nchemba said 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 involved land disputes.
Nchemba 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. He said the government is implementing various measures to resolve the disputes, including paying compensation to citizens who are entitled to it.
The Premier commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for allocating funds for compensation in various areas as part of efforts to resolve land conflicts, and urged Tanzanians to adhere to proper land-use plans and respect areas designated for farming, livestock keeping, conservation, settlements and other activities to prevent unnecessary conflicts.