The Tanzanian government has reiterated its call for authorities, institutions, and citizens to take proactive measures to mitigate the potential impacts of El Nino. This warning was issued by Minister of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements, Dr. Leonard Akwilapo, during the commemoration of World Habitat Day 2026 in Dodoma. The event was held under the theme "Sustainable and Affordable Housing for All."
Dr. Akwilapo emphasized that past experiences with floods in the country serve as a reminder of the importance of early action to protect lives, homes, and infrastructure. He urged authorities, institutions, and individuals to take immediate precautions, rather than waiting for the rains to begin. This includes implementing measures directed by national authorities to minimize the effects of the impending disaster.
The Minister highlighted that adequate housing goes beyond just having a house, encompassing safe housing, planned land, essential services, secure tenure, robust infrastructure, and environments resilient to climate change. With rapid urbanization and population growth, effective planning is crucial to ensure that housing areas are organized and developed with citizens' safety and disaster resilience in mind.
The government is currently reviewing the 2000 National Housing Development Policy to align it with current needs and challenges. According to Dr. Akwilapo, these efforts align with the National Development Vision 2050, the New Urban Agenda, and Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11). This review aims to address the evolving requirements for sustainable and affordable housing.
Deogratias Kalimenze, Director of the Housing Development Department, noted that World Habitat Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the state of housing in Tanzania and the necessary steps to ensure citizens have access to safe, affordable, and decent housing. The government and stakeholders must work together to address these challenges.
Dr. Grace Lubaale, representative of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), stressed that rapid urbanization has increased demands for housing, land, infrastructure, and basic services. Strengthening collaboration between the government and stakeholders is essential to address these needs and provide sustainable solutions.
The Tanzanian government remains committed to addressing the challenges posed by El Nino and promoting sustainable and affordable housing for all citizens. By working together with stakeholders and taking proactive measures, the country aims to minimize the impacts of potential disasters and ensure a more resilient future.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government urges authorities, institutions, and citizens to take precautions against potential El Nino-related disasters.
- The government is reviewing the 2000 National Housing Development Policy to align it with current needs and challenges.
- Strengthening collaboration between the government and stakeholders is essential to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and El Nino.
