By Our ReporterDr. Rashid Mfaume, the Director of Health, Nutrition, and Social Welfare at the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (OR-TAMISEMI), has called on local government authorities in Tanzania to prioritize surveying and securing title deeds for health facilities, including dispensaries, health centers, and hospitals.
He made this statement during his visit to the Dodoma Region, where he inspected health services and visited the Kibakwe Health Center in Mpwapwa District.
Dr. Mfaume emphasized the importance of ensuring that all health service areas are surveyed and legally documented to prevent unauthorized land use.
He said, “It is necessary for us to survey our lands, mark official boundaries, and make sure we have title deeds to prevent land invasion and improve health service delivery.
” According to him, securing the land on which health facilities sit is crucial to avoid encroachment and protect the infrastructure for the future.
The issue of land ownership is becoming more pressing as Tanzania continues to experience rapid urban growth.
As people move closer to health centers, there is a growing risk that these facilities could lose their land to informal settlements or unplanned developments.
Dr. Mfaume explained, “The growth of cities is bringing people closer to service centers, and therefore, surveying these areas will help protect health infrastructure from unplanned encroachment.
” He also pointed out that securing title deeds is important not only for protection but also for ensuring that health facilities have enough space to expand as the population grows.
Dr. Mfaume urged local authorities to collaborate with land authorities and the Ministry of Lands to speed up the process of obtaining title deeds for health facilities.
He noted that these legal documents will help local governments ensure that health centers are protected and can expand to meet the needs of the growing population.
“Surveying and securing title deeds for these areas will support future growth and prevent any threats to the health facilities,” he added.
The director also reminded health workers of their responsibility to provide accurate and reliable data about health services.
Dr. Mfaume said, “Health workers must prepare correct and realistic reports, as the government relies on them to plan and manage services for the public.
” This information is vital for the government to allocate resources where they are needed most and to make informed decisions about the development of health services in the country.
By securing title deeds for health facilities, local authorities will be able to prevent land disputes that could delay the expansion or construction of new health centers.
Dr. Mfaume stressed that clear land ownership is essential to avoid legal battles over property and ensure that health services remain uninterrupted.
“Having title deeds will make it easier to prevent any land conflicts and ensure the continued delivery of essential services,” he explained.
Dr. Mfaume’s call to action is timely, as the demand for health services in Tanzania is expected to rise with the country’s growing population.
Ensuring that health facilities have legal ownership of their land is a crucial step in providing reliable and sustainable healthcare for the population.
He concluded, “We must take these measures to ensure that our health infrastructure remains strong and protected, now and in the future.”
In summary, Dr. Mfaume’s message emphasizes the importance of securing title deeds for health service areas to protect land from unauthorized use and ensure the continued growth and development of health infrastructure in Tanzania.
As urbanization continues to drive population shifts, securing these lands will be critical to safeguarding health services and ensuring they are accessible to all.
By working together to secure legal ownership of health facility land, local governments can help strengthen Tanzania’s healthcare system for generations to come.