Dissatisfaction of Project Affected People (PAPs) has been a common phenomenon worldwide and in most of the land acquisition programs
carried out in Tanzania. The implementation of such programs has sometimes been delayed due to PAP’s negative attitudes as a result of
dissatisfactions. This has negative consequences for communities, acquiring authorities as well as program financers themselves. This study was aimed
at finding out the causes, nature and levels of PAPs’ dissatisfaction in land acquisition programs executed at Kurasini area in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The study explored methods used to deal with compensation complaints and evaluated the reactions of PAPs towards the said programs. Through
interviews and a review of documents submitted to the ministry responsible for land acquisition regarding their dissatisfactions, it was possible to
undertake the analyses. It was evident from the study that inadequate compensations, non-adherence to the laws, unfavorable resettlement practices,
use of force by governments and acquiring authorities in making PAPs accept compensation, and lack of PAPs’ involvement in the acquisition processes
were identified as the most critical sources of discontent. Interviews also revealed that there were some dissatisfied PAPs who did not lodge complaints
for a number of reasons but were equally dissatisfied for the same reasons. The study concludes up by recommending among others, that the
government and the acquiring authorities should adhere to legal procedures governing compulsory purchase and compensation, ensure that
negotiations are done with all parties involved in the acquisition programs, provide alternative plots besides monetary compensation, but after all
recommendations, a plan for peaceful and agreeable resettlement of the PAPs is an initiative which would reduce or eliminate their resentments.