Govt orders permanent markers for open spaces

DODOMA: THE government has directed councils across the country to install permanent boundary markers and prominent signs on public open spaces to prevent encroachment and ensure the areas are not converted to other uses.

Deputy Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Mr Kaspar Mmuya, issued the directive on Wednesday during an inspection of urban planning and land surveying activities in Dodoma City.

Mr Mmuya said early action was necessary to protect public open spaces from encroachment and prevent land disputes.

He said Dodoma City had 3,237 designated public open spaces, including areas set aside for recreation, sports, environmental conservation, parking, landscaping and burial grounds, but only 385 had title deeds.

“My directive is that all directors responsible for open spaces must install visible permanent boundary markers and large signs showing the size of each area, its designated use and ownership,” Mr Mmuya said.

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Mr Mmuya said an inspection of five public open spaces in the city found that only one had a title deed, while the others lacked clearly visible boundaries.

He said the absence of clear boundaries could create room for disputes between councils and people seeking to encroach on the areas.

The deputy minister also cautioned against changing the designated use of public open spaces outside established procedures, citing regulations under Government Notice No. 91 of 2018, particularly Part Three, which sets conditions governing the use of such areas.

He directed councils to ensure that public open spaces were properly identified, documented and protected so they could continue serving their intended public purposes.

Acting Dodoma City Director, Mr Joseph Fungo said the city authority would continue inspecting public open spaces and ensure they were developed in accordance with their approved uses.

“The city will strengthen monitoring to safeguard the areas from encroachment and inappropriate use,” he said.

The directive comes as Dodoma continues efforts to strengthen urban planning and land management, with public open spaces forming part of the city’s planned infrastructure and environmental assets.

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