The Director of Kibaha Municipality, Dr Rogers Shemwelekwa, has called on landowners in the town’s Central Business District (CBD) to begin immediate development of their plots, warning that failure to act within six months will trigger legal action under Tanzania’s urban planning laws.
In a strategic meeting convened at the municipal offices, Dr Shemwelekwa met with stakeholders and plot owners from across the CBD to reinforce collaboration and outline joint efforts aimed at accelerating urban growth and order in one of Tanzania’s emerging municipalities.
The engagement follows Kibaha’s recent elevation from a town council to full municipal status on 20 June 2025 a milestone Dr Shemwelekwa described as a “defining moment” for the coastal town located along the main highway linking Dar es Salaam to the interior regions.
“This new status is not just a title; it’s a commitment to change,” said Dr Shemwelekwa. “We must now deliver a well-planned, modern city and that starts with you, the landowners. Your plots must be developed with speed, structure, and in full compliance with urban planning regulations.”
He gave plot owners a six-month window to break ground, stressing that the municipality would take legal measures against those who fail to comply.
Kibaha long viewed as a satellite town to Dar es Salaam is now positioning itself as an independent urban centre, targeting investment in real estate, commercial infrastructure, and service delivery.
Dr Shemwelekwa also urged landowners to work directly with officials from the municipal land department to avoid exploitation by unauthorised brokers, a common issue in urban land transactions across the country.
“We want development, but we also want integrity and professionalism in how we get there,” he said.
Stakeholders in attendance welcomed the directive and pledged support for the municipality’s vision.
“We commend the Director for his leadership and commitment to building Kibaha,” said Mzee Mfinanga, a veteran landowner popularly known as Njuweni, who spoke on behalf of attendees.
“We, the owners, are ready to act. Kibaha deserves to grow, and we are proud to be part of that journey.”he added
The meeting is part of a broader government effort to strengthen urban governance and encourage orderly development across Tanzania’s fast-growing towns.
Officials say Kibaha is being primed to become a regional hub for commerce, services, and quality housing in line with the national agenda for sustainable urbanisation.
With the CBD now under pressure to take shape, all eyes are on Kibaha to see whether this call to action will transform the promise of municipal status into a reality of visible, inclusive growth.