NGORONGORO CHALLENGES: Samia launches commissions

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has officially launched two commissions tasked with assessing land conflicts and challenges arising from the voluntary relocation of residents from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA).

“When Tanzania faces challenges, it is up to us as Tanzanians to come together, analyse them and find solutions collectively,” she said.

The first commission will address land-related concerns raised by residents, while the other will evaluate challenges and progress of the voluntary relocation efforts in the area.

Speaking at the launching event at State House in Dar es Salaam yesterday, President Samia expressed confidence in the commissions, urging them to execute their duties with professionalism, integrity and dedication to national interests.

“We have great confidence in your ability to provide a lasting solution to these issues. Carry out your work with confidence, integrity and the highest level of professionalism while keeping the nation’s interests at the forefront. Just as we have successfully addressed other challenges in the past, we will also find a resolution to this one,” President Samia said.

President Samia further directed the commissions to work in the best interest of the nation, safeguarding Tanzania’s freedom and sovereignty.

The establishment of the two commissions fulfills a promise she made in December 2024 during her visit to Arusha Region, where she engaged with leaders and representatives of Ngorongoro residents.

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The commissions will be led by Justice Dr Gerald Ndika, who chairs the Commission for Evaluating Land Conflict Issues in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Engineer Musa Iyombe, who heads the Commission for Assessing the Voluntary Relocation of Residents from the same area.

They also include representatives from the Ngorongoro community Edward Maura Nduleti and Rehema Moisare, a teacher and resident of Ngorongoro. The commissions are expected to complete their work within three months.

President Samia reaffirmed her confidence that the commissions’ work would lead to a sustainable resolution to the challenges raised by community leaders and representatives.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area holds exceptional significance both for Tanzania and the world. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts rich biodiversity, historical value and substantial economic contributions through tourism.

However, the area has long faced challenges related to land use, environmental conservation, and the livelihoods of its residents.

In response, the government has established the commissions to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the land conflict and the progress of the voluntary relocation process. Their findings will guide sustainable solutions that balance conservation efforts with the rights of local communities.

“The commissions have a critical mandate to thoroughly examine the land conflict situation and provide recommendations for a sustainable way forward. I am confident that you will carry out your work with diligence, fairness and a commitment to national interests,” President Samia insisted.

President Samia also wished the commissions success, urging them to work with professionalism, integrity and patriotism in safeguarding Tanzania’s independence and preserving its natural resources.