Lukuvi: Dar City master plan brings new hope to residents

Dar es Salaam. Land, Housing and Human Settlements Development Minister, Mr William Lukuvi yesterday asked city residents to view the new city master plan as a sign of hope and redevelopment.

The minister said this when presenting the Dar es Salaam City Master Plan (2016-2036) to stakeholders. Mr Lukuvi said the master plan was meant to provide new conditions for settlements development rather than new land.

“In Dar es Salaam, most land is occupied…this master plan suggests that if you want to develop an area covered by residents you have to negotiate with them about compensation,” he said.

According to him, the master plan investment sector will be encouraged by the establishment of sub cities and business centres.

“But this will not force evacuation of people from their homes or breaking up homes,’’ he said.

“Don’t be intimidated by the highrise buildings; the government will not come to tear down your homes to build such structures.,’’ he assured.

“It’s our plan that in time the city image will change according to the conditions suggested in this master plan, “ said the minister.

The minister also told people living in informal settlements to make sure that their land was planned, as this would give them bargaining power during compensation in cases where their houses would have to be demolished.

“All residents should make sure their homes are planned and surveyed. The government has registered enough contractors to do the job,” he said, adding that the process was being delayed by local authorities, causing the costs to climb.

“But now the tenders for planning and evaluating settlements will be administered by the district commissioners’ offices,’’ he said.

For his part, city major Isaya Mwita said the master plan will be presented to the public for integration of their opinions.