(Unguja) – Unauthorized land sales have been identified as a key driver of land encroachment in areas reserved for government projects in Zanzibar. Maungani, located in the Urban West Region and designated for the drilling of water wells, is one such area where violations are rampant. Despite compensation being paid to residents, some refuse to vacate, while others continue illegal land transactions, exacerbating the problem.
The Ministry of Water, Energy, and Minerals has vowed to take strict action against violators constructing on these protected sites. The Maungani site currently hosts 13 completed water wells designed to address water scarcity.
On November 15, 2024, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Joseph Kilangi, expressed concern over the ongoing encroachment despite the area being marked off with warning signs. He revealed that the government had already assessed the land and paid compensation to previous owners, yet illegal land sales persist.
“Some individuals continue to sell plots secretly, which increases encroachment. This behavior is unacceptable and goes against legal protocols,” said Kilangi.
The ministry has started marking illegal structures with red Xs, signaling owners to demolish them. Kilangi also called on district and regional leaders to take stern measures against those who defy regulations to deter further violations.
“To ensure clean and safe water for residents, we are halting all construction activities in these areas and urging relevant authorities to enforce the law,” he added.
Khamis Bonzo, the Sheha (local leader) of Maungani, stated that many land transactions occur informally, bypassing local leaders. This unregulated system, he said, allows brokers to facilitate unauthorized land sales.
One buyer, Othman Ali Othman, admitted ignorance of the land’s protected status when he purchased it. “We didn’t know this area was restricted for development. Now we must follow the law,” he said.
He noted that buyers often neglect to involve local authorities, assuming it is unnecessary and time-consuming.
In response to these issues, the Minister for Land and Housing Development, Rahma Kassim Ali, recently emphasized that land encroachment is a significant contributor to disputes in Zanzibar. She announced plans to introduce a streamlined system for land transactions, requiring all sales to be officially registered to prevent future conflicts.
Encroachment at a Glance
| Issue | Impact |
|---|---|
| Unauthorized land sales | Increased encroachment on government land |
| Refusal to vacate | Delayed implementation of community projects |
| Lack of official oversight | Facilitates informal land deals |
| Compensation challenges | Resistance from compensated residents |