Developing of appropriate urban housing concepts in developing countries
The Modular Urban Housing Concept for Tanzania, MUHCT, is a practical example of the theoretical model which concentrates on ranges of activities in a logical and systematic way.
The demise of public urban land management and the emergence of informal land markets in Tanzania
Abstract In consonance with ujamma (socialism) and in recognition of the role land plays in the development process, Tanzania adopted in 1967 a public land ownership policy. Ownership and management of land has henceforth remained in the public domain, at least in theory, despite the economic crisis, especially within the public sector and the subsequent reforms instituted since the mid 1980s. Examining the public land management practices in Dar-es-Salaam, the general contention of this paper is that the deficiencies of the public land management (especially in regard to allocation) have led to the evolution of informal land markets. The data presented in this paper have been collected from four case studies representing different kinds of informal markets. The paper argues for the appreciation and recognition of the latent market forces (which have subjugated bureaucratic land management practices) as entry points for the institution of an effective urban land management system. This is moreover thought necessary in order to ensure the articulation of land policy in a way favourable to prevailing economic revival strategics. Furthermore, the paper cautions on the socio-economic polarisation resulting from the continued laissez-faire and the marginalisation of the public involvement in the booming urban land market operations. It is hoped that this paper will provoke further discussions on the controversial debates going on in Tanzania today on the marketisation of urban land.
Sites-and-services in Tanzania: The case of Sinza, Kijitonyama and Mikocheni areas in Dar-es-Salaam
Abstract Most observers of the sites-and-services projects in Tanzania agree that, although aimed at low income households, the project plots have been taken over by medium- to high-income households, as evidenced mainly by the types of properties erected on the sites. Quantification is not easy though. Incomes are notoriously difficult to ascertain, as they change over time and are not limited to wages only. Also, since buildings take a long time to complete, the ‘type of property argument’ is open to valid criticism. This paper provides some evidence that the majority of those who were originally allocated plots in the sites-and-services areas are still there, but that a substantial number of plots did change hands mainly as a result of reallocation after the original awardees had failed to pay the requisite fees or to develop the plots. Also, a good number of plots are new, i.e . ‘created’ after the original allocation had been done. It is possible that non-targeted people found their way onto the sites-and-services areas through these means though there is also some evidence of outright purchase. The sites-and-services areas, however, are areas of great contrast with a lot of vacant land, stalled developments, and many incomplete properties which are occupied. A substantial number of plots are let, perhaps reflecting the fact that many people have to find means of subsidising their incomes.