Govt pledges continued collaboration with development stakeholders

ARUSHA: THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to continue collaborating with various development stakeholders, including Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), in recognition of their significant contribution to socio-economic development across the country.

Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr Stephen Kiruswa, made the assurance recently during his visit to inspect the implementation of development projects in Longido District, Arusha Region.

Dr Kiruswa said the Sixth Phase Government remains focused on implementing development plans that directly improve the lives of citizens and will therefore work closely with stakeholders whose initiatives align with national development priorities.

“The government, especially the Sixth Phase Government, is focused on implementing plans that directly benefit citizens. Whenever stakeholders come forward to support these efforts, the government will not hesitate to collaborate with them,” he said.

The deputy minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Longido Constituency, commended Pingo’s Forum, an NGO operating in the district, for its substantial investment in development projects that have improved access to essential services for local communities.

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Dr Kiruswa said the organisation’s interventions in water supply and education infrastructure have had a visible impact on the well-being of residents, particularly in remote areas.

“May I take this opportunity to commend Pingo’s Forum for its dedication to the people of Longido. You are an example for other institutions to emulate. I encourage you to continue with this spirit by extending development projects to other areas of the district,” he said.

Earlier, Pingo’s Forum Coordinator, Mr Kiaro Tendeu, said the organisation has so far spent more than 150m/- on development projects in the outskirts of Longido District. He said the projects include the construction of water supply systems and teachers’ houses in various wards, aimed at addressing chronic water shortages and improving the learning environment in public schools.

“One of the water projects is being implemented in Kimwati Village, Sinonik Ward. In Olbomba Ward, we are implementing a water project alongside the construction of teachers’ houses,” he explained.

Mr Tendeu said that in Sinonik Ward alone, more than 70m/- has been spent on the construction of a water source, a 100,000-litre water storage tank and a separate water reservoir for livestock.

“All these projects have reached about 98 per cent completion,” he said.

He added that in Olbomba Ward, the combined cost of the water project and teachers’ houses stands at approximately 80m/-, with implementation expected to be completed by the end of this year.

For his part, Chairman of the Longido District Council, Mr Thomas Ngobei, said the council plans to convene a meeting with all NGOs operating in the district to harmonise development strategies.

He said the initiative aims to ensure better coordination of projects and maximise their impact on the district’s long-term development and the welfare of residents