DODOMA: DEPUTY Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Mr Kaspar Mmuya, has urged Tanzanians to stop purchasing land outside the legally established procedures, warning that doing so exposes them to fraud and avoidable land disputes.
Speaking during the handover ceremony of affordable houses constructed by Habitat for Humanity Tanzania at Dabalo Village, Chamwino District in Dodoma Region, Mr Mmuya said adherence to proper land acquisition processes remains the only safeguard for citizens against conmen and costly conflicts.
“The law provides clear procedures for land ownership. Anyone who sidesteps these guidelines risks falling victim to fraudsters and entering disputes unknowingly,” he said.
The deputy minister commended Habitat for Humanity Tanzania for its continued contribution to improving housing for low-income communities, noting that its efforts align with the government’s vision of ensuring access to safe and decent housing for all.
The 10 units handed over form part of 20 affordable houses built at Dabalo, Dodoma and Chanika in Dar es Salaam under the Improved Sustainable Shelter and Housing Solutions (ISSHS) project.
He noted that Habitat for Humanity Tanzania has over the past 40 years established operations in 13 regions across Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, impacting more than 200,000 citizens through the construction and rehabilitation of over 40,200 houses, alongside provision of clean water, sanitation services and land rights education.
Mr Mmuya said the organisation’s collaboration with financial institutions including NBC, FINCA and the Bank of Tanzania has expanded access to affordable housing microloans, enabling many low-income families to improve their homes at manageable cost.
He further congratulated Habitat for Humanity on marking 50 years globally and 40 years in Tanzania since 1986, saying the milestones reflect its strong commitment to community development and support for national housing and land policies.
The deputy minister also praised the use of Interlocking Stabilised Soil Blocks (ISSB) technology in constructing the Dabalo homes, saying the environmentally friendly method reduces building costs and supports sustainable construction.
The project also includes land regularisation education, water service provision and promotion of renewable energy.
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“The sixth-phase government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan is determined to ensure every Tanzanian attains safe and secure housing. We are easing access to land titles, expanding affordable housing investments and upgrading informal settlements in both urban and rural areas,” he said.
Mr Mmuya called on agencies under the ministry including NHC, TMRC, TBA, WHC and NCC to strengthen collaboration with Habitat for Humanity in implementing housing initiatives for low-income groups.
He also appealed to private sector institutions and development partners to support the organisation’s 2025– 2029 strategic plan.
Earlier, the organisation’s Director of Programmes, Mr John Massenza, speaking on behalf of the Board Chairperson, said the ISSHS project aims to improve living standards, health and land security for low-income households through innovative, affordable building solutions.
He said the one-year project, running from January to December 2025, was funded by the Global Mission Fund at a cost of 199,482.41 US dollars (over 509m/-). More than 10,000 people at Dabalo and Chanika benefitted from its interventions.
Under the project, 20 model houses were constructed, more than 50 youth and artisans trained in ISSB technology, 3,000 trees planted, and housing microloans worth over 252m/- issued through Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) in partnership with Makazi Bora Finance Ltd.