Compulsory Land Acquisition in Tanzania: Appraising The Compensable Package

Context and background Compulsory land acquisition for public purposes is a worldwide phenomenon for urban planning towards sustainable land use and development. It requires payment of compensation to those affected in form of money or new land/buildings-based equivalence principles. The determination of compensable amounts is a function of the laws, regulations and relevant statutes guiding the process. People whose land is acquired often lose assets including houses, land and occasionally their source of income as a result of government land acquisition. In many countries including Tanzania, land has been compulsorily acquired for public facilities and infrastructure projects but in some cases, it has resulted into sentiments with regards to the compensation paid. Goal and Objectives: This study set to examine compensable package spelt out by laws and relevant regulations on compulsory land acquisition to ascertain whether it adequately cover for all the losses resulting from land acquisition programs. Methodology: The research adopted both qualitative and quantitative approaches as the findings are based on the interpretation of respondents’ views through interviews and use of questionnaires. Results: The examination revealed that the existing compensable package rarely covers for all the losses suffered by the affected persons and some compensable items are not up-to-date, resulting into inadequate compensation. This calls for the reviewing of land acquisition laws in Tanzania to ensure adequate compensation package. Seeking feedback and participation of the affected people is of paramount importance in the process to ensure inclusion of all the losses suffered towards dealing away ever-increasing claims, objection and delays during land acquisition projects. There is also a need of establishing the national resettlement policy for informed losses of affected person, needs and implementation plan during land acquisition projects for their sustainable livelihoods post land acquisition.