Samia forms two special commissions to address Ngorongoro’s land, relocation issues
What you need to know:
- This initiative follows a promise made by President Hassan on December 1, 2024, during a meeting with Maasai traditional leaders from the NCA.
Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has formed two special commissions to address critical issues in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA).
One commission will address land-related concerns raised by residents, while the other will evaluate the progress of voluntary relocation efforts in the area.
This initiative follows a promise made by President Hassan on December 1, 2024, during a meeting with Maasai traditional leaders from the NCA.
During the meeting, she assured the leaders that the government would form commissions to address their concerns.
In a statement issued on Monday, December 23, 2024, Chief Secretary, Dr Moses Kusiluka announced the formation of the two commissions.
The Land Issues Commission consists of nine members, while the Relocation Assessment Commission is made up of eight members.
The Land Issues Commission will be led by Court of Appeal Justice Dr Gerald Ndika with a team of members including prominent figures such as retired Chief Secretary Philemon Luhanjo.
Others are former Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Zakia Meghji, the High Court Judge, and the Presidential Legal Advisor Justice George Masaju.
Other commission members are; the President’s Advisor on Environment and Climate Change, Dr Richard Muyungi, Retired Ambassador Salome Sijaona, Professor Wilbard Kombe from Ardhi University, Professor Emmanuel Luoga from Sokoine University of Agriculture, a councilor and Secretary of the Ngorongoro Pastoral Council, Mr Mollel James Moringe, and a councilor and Ngorongoro resident Moi Aprakwa Sikorei.
Retired Permanent Secretary Musa Iyombe will lead the Relocation Assessment Commission formed by several key figures including retired Permanent Secretaries Sihaba Nkinga and the President's advisor on Business Facilitation and Tax Matters Alphayo Kidata.
Other members of the Relocation Commission are former Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) Director, Ambassador Valentino Mlowola, Retired Ambassador Mohamed Mtonga, former Government Chief Internal Auditor, Retired Ambassador George Madafa, former National Housing Corporation (NHC) Haruna Masebu
The team also includes Edward Maura Nduleti and Rehema Moisare, a teacher and resident of Ngorongoro.
These commissions are expected to address the pressing issues in the conservation area and provide solutions that balance the needs of the residents and environmental conservation.
