Land surveying in Tanzania is at a pivotal crossroads, and the government is taking bold steps to modernize and keep pace with technological advancements. But here's where it gets controversial: there's an ongoing effort to overhaul the entire legal framework governing land surveying to support the profession's growth and efficiency. The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development is finalizing a comprehensive reform, aiming to replace the outdated laws that currently regulate the sector with a single, unified law.
This new legal structure will bring all regulations under one umbrella, simplifying responsibilities and aligning the sector with cutting-edge surveying techniques and modern mapping technology. Deputy Permanent Secretary Ms. Lucy Kabyemera shared insights during the recent 29th Annual General Meeting of the Institution of Surveyors Tanzania (IST) in Morogoro. She pointed out that the existing laws—the Land Survey Act, Cap 324, and the Registration of Land Surveyors Act, Cap 270—are now obsolete, having been superseded by rapid technological progress.
The government recognizes that these antiquated laws are holding back the profession’s growth, which is why a draft amendment has already been drafted, shared with key stakeholders, and is now nearing final approval following thorough consultations. Ms. Kabyemera emphasized the importance of patience as the process moves forward, reassuring surveyors that the ministry is committed to expediting the law’s adoption.
Dr. Ijumulana Julian, President of the IST, highlighted that this year’s focus is on how land surveyors contribute directly to Tanzania’s Vision 2050—a strategic blueprint for the country’s development. He also pointed out that the sector’s priorities align with the country’s Five-Year National Development Plan (2021/22–2025/26) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. The discussion covered advanced topics such as integrated industrial development strategies, and the increasing use of technological tools like Satellite Positioning Systems (GPS), drones, mobile Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and the innovative e-Ardhi digital land management platform. These innovations are transforming land administration—improving transparency, simplifying transactions, and streamlining land ownership processes.
The theme for this year’s gathering underscores the vital role of surveyors: "A Land Surveyor is the Bridge that Connects National Development Agendas." Yet, amidst these advancements, land surveyor Sebastian Bebwa has called on the government to remove taxes on modern surveying equipment. Such measures could lower costs, making these essential tools more accessible and reducing the overall expense for citizens. Bebwa emphasizes that modern tools significantly cut down survey times and boost efficiency compared to previous methods, which often took much longer—and highlights that facilitating access to these innovations could dramatically accelerate Tanzania’s land development efforts.
