Human Settlements development in Tanzania is guided by the National Human Settlements Development Policy of 2000 and the Town and Country Planning Ordinance (Cap 378) of 1956 as revised in 1961. Under these statutory guidance, all activities related to Human Settlements development are supervised by respective Local Authority/Councils on behalf of the Minister responsible with Human Settlements Development.
The department is headed by a director assisted by five assistant directors who are responsible for five sections of the department. The five sections are:
- Strategic Urban Development
- Policy, legislation and Urban development Control
- Prime Areas and record keeping
- Housing Policy
- Revolving Housing loan fund