By Exuperius Kachenje
The Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Dr Leonard Akwilapo, has directed the National Housing Corporation (NHC) to undertake in-depth research aimed at delivering affordable, modern and high-quality housing for Tanzanians on ordinary incomes.
Dr. Akwilapo issued the directive during his first official visit to NHC headquarters in Dar es Salaam since his appointment as minister. NHC is the sole institution under his ministry’s direct oversight.
“I am instructing you to carry out research on affordable housing for ordinary Tanzanians. Go and build good-quality, affordable homes for people with middle incomes. Tanzanians are looking to NHC,” he said.
The minister, who was accompanied by his Deputy, Mr. Caspar Mmuya, met both NHC management and staff of the 63-year-old corporation. He stressed that NHC is well positioned to strengthen research and innovation in the construction sector by developing new methods and technologies that will enable more Tanzanians to access safe, decent and affordable homes.
According to Dr. Akwilapo, scientific research and the use of innovative technologies will allow NHC to design housing types and construction systems that reflect citizens’ economic capacity, local climate conditions, availability of building materials and community lifestyles.
“Research is the right path to lasting solutions. If we conduct sufficient research, we will build quality homes that are affordable and accessible to many more Tanzanians,” he said.
He assured the corporation of continued government support in research and development, partnerships with higher learning institutions, construction professionals and private-sector stakeholders to boost productivity and innovation in housing projects. Dr Akwilapo said NHC has the capacity to spare citizens the stress, financial losses and fraud often associated with dealing with unscrupulous contractors by delivering ready-built, affordable homes.
“There is no stress like dealing with construction fundis. You are told materials cost a certain price when that is not the case, or that construction costs are this high when they do not reflect reality. Supervising fundis is itself a burden, and sometimes they are outright fraudsters. If NHC does this well, you will free citizens from that headache,” he said.
The minister also urged NHC staff to treat one another and the public with respect, particularly citizens seeking housing services. He emphasised that the corporation carries a major responsibility to ensure that even ordinary citizens can access decent housing, reiterating that research must be the remedy to the housing challenge.
He cautioned staff against becoming “process officers” who repeatedly tell clients that matters are still under review, and directed the corporation to maintain momentum in implementing projects to avoid delays that inflate costs. He further instructed NHC to undertake feasibility studies to diversify into additional developments beyond residential housing.
Dr Akwilapo also ordered the corporation to intensify the collection of outstanding debts from clients to strengthen its financial capacity to meet its objectives.
“My expectation is that by 2030, NHC will have achieved its targets in implementing both ministerial and government goals as guided by the ruling party’s manifesto, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM),” he said.
He commended NHC management and staff for their significant contribution to the Government’s agenda of providing Tanzanians with decent, safe and dignified housing, noting that the corporation’s achievements reflect accountability, professionalism and patriotism.
“NHC is a vital institution in translating the Government’s housing vision into reality. The success you are recording is proof of the dedication and efficiency of its workforce,” he concluded.
For his part, Deputy Minister Caspar Mmuya, challenged NHC employees to lead by example by living in decent housing themselves, including building or owning their own homes, as a practical demonstration of the policies they champion professionally and their ability to manage their finances responsibly.
He said NHC staff should be a living showcase of successful housing policies and strategies, while executing their duties with efficiency, discipline and respect.
“I do not expect to see NHC employees behaving like bus touts, encouraging others to board public transport while they themselves remain at the bus stop. Instead, they should be an example of self-reliance and orderly living that matches the responsibility they carry,” he said.
Earlier, NHC Director General Hamad Abdallah assured the minister that the corporation would continue to discharge its duties effectively, adhere to Government policies and guidelines, and ensure that all projects benefit citizens while contributing to sustainable national development.
Mr. Abdallah said NHC is currently implementing various residential and commercial construction projects across the country. He noted that in 2026 alone, the corporation won three different awards in recognition of its performance in several areas, including dividend contributions to the Government.
“Last year, NHC recorded several achievements, including three awards for strong performance in different areas,” he said. Looking ahead, he added that in 2026 NHC will focus on accelerating the implementation of both housing and commercial projects, in line with its mandate to deliver safe, decent and affordable housing for Tanzanians.
