DAR ES SALAAM: THE Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Dr Leonard Akwilapo, has given title deeds to various women who had land challenges in the country and issued a stern warning to officials in the ministry, noting that the ministry will not hesitate to take stern actions against officials who do not treat Tanzanian citizens’ challenges and instead disturb them.
The minister made the statement when officially inaugurating the ‘Samia Ardhi Clinic’ in the Dar es Salaam region on Monday, which will run from March 2 to 7, 2026, countrywide ahead of International Women’s Day.
Addressing the various Dar es Salaam residents gathered, he said that the ministry has determined to embark on solving and reducing land challenges facing people in the country; therefore, the ministry’s officials need to work with diligence and honesty.
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“We will not hesitate to take stern action against employees who still hold outdated attitudes, thinking that Tanzania’s land belongs to officials of the Ministry of Lands. Land is a national resource; we are merely custodians, not owners. Stop harassing clients. I have banned statements such as “the file cannot be found” or “the file is missing” in land offices. We do not want to hear them again,” the minister said.
Additionally, the minister asked clients to report to him If they are told such statements as his office is always open to serve and listen to citizens.
Moreover, the minister told all those receiving their title deeds to adhere to the instructions and conditions of that title by reserving the designated portions for access routes and roads.
During the one week launched clinic under the theme, ‘WOMAN; IT IS YOUR RIGHT, OWN LAND NOW’ various legal services will be provided in the various clinics in all regions, including, Legal and professional assistance on land matters, Issuance of Title Deeds to women who have completed ownership procedures, Provision of education on guidelines for Land Use Planning, Surveying, and Land Titling and Reminders and facilitation of payment of the required land taxes.