The Government has announced a restart of the Sinza Redevelopment Plan in Dar es Salaam after residents raised serious concerns over lack of proper public participation and unclear land ownership rights.

The decision was communicated by the Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Dr Leonard Akwilapo, who said all previous consultation processes will be set aside and a fresh engagement exercise will begin to ensure full inclusion of Sinza Ward residents in Ubungo District.

Residents had complained that earlier planning stages excluded them from key decisions, creating mistrust about the proposed 2026–2046 redevelopment framework.Community members stressed that while they support development, they want to be fully involved in shaping the future of their area.

Key concerns included unclear arrangements on property rights, especially where land consolidation or plot merging may take place under the redevelopment model.There were also complaints that the draft plan was prepared in English only, making it difficult for many residents to understand its contents.Legal representatives of landowners warned that some sections appeared to suggest forced sale of land, which increased anxiety within the community.

Government officials, including the Ubungo District Commissioner and the Minister of State for Planning and Investment, acknowledged communication gaps in earlier consultations and assured residents that no one’s land rights will be taken away.

They emphasized that redevelopment is aimed at improving infrastructure such as sanitation, water supply, and urban planning, not displacing existing owners.

The ministry also noted that Sinza is among 111 identified degraded urban areas targeted for redevelopment under the national land re-adjustment programme, with plans to attract investors and allow mixed-use developments ranging from low to high-rise buildings depending on land capacity.Authorities insist that the revised process will be more inclusive, transparent, and aligned with good governance principles.