Informal Settlement in Mji Mpya, Tanzania. Photo: Christopher Yap
By Adonis Byemelwa
On October 7, 2024, the world came together to observe World Habitat Day under the theme "Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future." The event highlights a critical global challenge—rapid urbanization—and emphasizes the pivotal role of young people in shaping more sustainable, resilient cities. As urban populations grow, especially in regions like Africa and Asia, the involvement of youth in planning for their urban future has never been more crucial.
With the youth comprising over 70% of urban populations in many countries in the Global South, their input in urban planning is not just necessary but imperative for cities to thrive. As the world races towards an urban future where cities are projected to host 70% of the global population by 2050, the need for sustainable, inclusive urban planning has never been more urgent.
Yet, despite growing awareness and action, challenges remain in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in addressing poverty, inequality, and the ever-looming threat of climate change.
A core focus of World Habitat Day is to mobilize youth to contribute their creativity and energy toward building cities that prioritize equity, sustainability, and resilience. With their engagement, cities can better tackle the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and build a future where everyone, regardless of background, can enjoy a decent quality of life.
In Tanzania, the government’s efforts to address housing shortages come at a crucial time. According to UN-Habitat statistics, Tanzania faces a housing deficit of 3.6 million units, with the rate of new housing construction standing at around 350,000 annually.
While this helps address the shortage, it is a far cry from the demand, leaving millions, especially young people, struggling to find affordable homes in a rapidly urbanizing environment.
The Ministry of Land, Housing, and Human Settlements Development is taking bold steps to confront this issue. In a decisive move on May 24, 2024, the Ministry appealed to Parliament for a significant budget of Sh171.37 billion to fund various housing projects, including the ambitious Kawe 711 development.
However, challenges persist, as highlighted by Jerry Silaa, a former Minister, who provided updates on ongoing housing projects and outlined the government’s vision for tackling the housing crisis.
One of the flagship housing projects, the Kawe 711 development, stalled since 2018 and is now back on track with 35% of the work completed. The project is expected to be finished by 2026, delivering 422 much-needed housing units.
Silaa also mentioned ongoing discussions between the National Housing Corporation (NHC) and contractors regarding the Golden Premier Residence project, which remains stalled. In the Morocco Square development, 71 out of 100 residential units have already been sold, while leasing of hotel, retail, and office spaces continues to progress.
Despite these efforts, Tanzania's housing challenges are exacerbated by rising construction costs. The steep increase in cement prices, driven by factors like the depreciation of the Tanzanian Shilling and global fuel price hikes, has made affordable housing more elusive.
In August 2023, Dangote Cement announced a price hike of Sh885 per bag, further straining the construction sector. Compounding the issue, a new excise duty introduced by the government in 2023 has increased the price of domestically produced and imported cement, pushing the cost of construction materials higher. The repercussions are felt across Dar es Salaam, where a 50kg bag of cement now costs up to Sh 17,000, compared to Sh 14,000 in previous years.
These rising costs place pressure on builders, who may be tempted to cut corners and compromise quality to balance budgets. As a result, substandard housing has proliferated in areas like Mbagala and Chanika, where residents purchase homes at lower prices but often at the expense of safety and durability.
The housing crisis is not unique to Tanzania. Across the globe, countries struggle to ensure adequate settlements for their growing urban populations. Nevertheless, several nations have managed to mitigate housing shortages successfully. In Singapore, for instance, a robust public housing system has provided affordable, high-quality homes to over 80% of the population.
Meanwhile, in contrast, countries like India and Brazil face significant housing deficits, with millions living in informal settlements or slums. The stark contrast between successful and struggling nations underscores the importance of decisive government action, proper urban planning, and investment in affordable housing solutions.
While the Tanzanian government has made strides in addressing housing needs, challenges remain, especially in terms of affordability for the youth. Unemployment and the soaring cost of living leave many young Tanzanians unable to afford housing, despite government projections that aim to deliver middle-income homes costing between Sh20 million and Sh50 million.
As the country navigates these obstacles, it is clear that comprehensive urban planning and affordable housing initiatives must remain a top priority. The ongoing flooding crisis in Dar es Salaam, driven by unregulated development and a lack of proper planning, is a stark reminder of the need for sustainable, well-regulated urban growth.
Legal hurdles, such as delays in the approval of master plans and the discretionary nature of planning area declarations, have left many parts of the city vulnerable to environmental hazards, further exacerbating the housing crisis.
Addressing these issues requires bold, coordinated efforts from both the government and private sector. Streamlining the master plan approval process, ensuring regular updates to urban development plans, and implementing mandatory planning area declarations will help prevent future crises and build a more resilient, sustainable urban future.
As the world marks World Habitat Day, the spotlight on engaging youth in shaping the urban landscape could not be timelier. By involving young people in the planning and decision-making processes, cities like Dar es Salaam can harness their creativity, energy, and unique perspectives to build more equitable, sustainable environments for all residents. In the end, the future of Tanzania's cities depends on the decisions made today, and the involvement of the next generation will be crucial in ensuring that the future is bright.