President Samia inaugurates two special commissions for Ngorongoro land disputes

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has inaugurated two special commissions formed last year to address land disputes and oversee the voluntary relocation of residents from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

The ceremony took place on Thursday at the State House in Dar es Salaam, involving the two commissions that President Samia unveiled on December 23, 2024, to tackle pressing challenges in the conservation area.

The first commission, chaired by Justice Dr. Gerald Ndika, is made up of 10 members and is tasked with resolving the land disputes in the Ngorongoro region.

The commission will work to find solutions to land conflicts with local communities and conservation efforts.

The second commission, led by retired Permanent Secretary Eng Musa Iyombe, will focus on evaluating the voluntary relocation process for residents living within the conservation area.

ALSO READ: Mwinyi stresses women empowerment

The commission’s role will include assessing the effectiveness and progress of the relocation initiative and ensuring that the process is carried out smoothly and fairly.

Members of the Land Dispute Commission:

• Retired Chief Secretary Philemon Luhanjo
• Former Minister of Natural Resources and –Tourism Ms. Zakia Meghji
• High Court Judge and Presidential Legal  Advisor Judge George Masaju
• Presidential Advisor on Environment and –Climate Change Dr. Richard Muyungi
• Retired Ambassador and Permanent Secretary Ambassador Salome Sijaona
• Ardhi University Professor Wilbard Kombe
• Sokoine University of Agriculture Professor Emanuel Luoga
• Ngorongoro Pastoralists Council Secretary Mr. Mollel Moringe
• Ngorongoro Councillor and resident Ms. Moi Sikorei

Members of the Relocation Commission are:-Retired Permanent Secretary Ms Sihaba Nkinga, Presidential Advisor on Business Empowerment and Taxation Mr Alphayo Kidata, Retired Ambassador and former PCCB Director-General Ambassador Valentino Mlowola,Retired Ambassador and former Chief Internal Auditor Ambassador Mohamed Mtonga,Retired Ambassador George Madafa,Former NHC Director-General Mr Haruna Masebu,Ngorongoro Pastoralists Council Chair and Councillor Mr Edward Nduleti and Ngorongoro teacher Ms Rehema Moisare.