Govt offers relief to Mwanza flood victims
MWANZA: MINISTER for Works, Mr Abdallah Ulega yesterday comforted traders at Mkuyuni Market in Mkuyuni Ward, Mwanza Region, following floods that struck the area last Tuesday after heavy rains that lasted for more than two hours.
Speaking during a visit to Mkuyuni Bridge, Mr Ulega said the floods caused significant hardship to traders, many of whom lost their business capital after their goods were damaged. He said the government has provided 5m/- to assist traders who suffered losses as a result of the floods.
“The government comforts residents of Mkuyuni and Butimba wards following the recent floods that caused damage to property and disrupted business activities,” he said.
Mr Ulega also said he was satisfied with the progress of the Mkuyuni Bridge project, noting that the construction has reached about 99 per cent completion and is already helping residents cross the area safely.
He explained that the old bridge could not handle large volumes of water during heavy rains, unlike the newly constructed bridge, which was designed to accommodate higher water levels.
“If this new bridge had not been built, the impact of the floods would have been much greater for residents in this area,” he said.
The minister added that the government is currently implementing 81 similar bridge projects across the country to improve infrastructure and reduce the impact of flooding.
He also commended the Mwanza Regional Security and Defence Committee for working closely with residents to address the effects of the floods.
For his part, Mkuyuni Ward Councillor, Richard Masesa thanked the government for its efforts to improve infrastructure in the area, including the installation of street lights, which have enhanced security and enabled residents to conduct business activities at night.
However, he said the heavy rains that pounded the city last Tuesday caused losses to several traders after their goods were soaked by floodwaters, while some residents lost their homes.
Mr Masesa advised residents living near rivers to avoid blocking natural waterways and to strengthen riverbanks in order to reduce the risk of flooding.
Meanwhile, Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) Mwanza Regional Manager Paschal Ambrose said construction of the Mkuyuni Bridge began on November 13, 2024, and has now reached 99.8 per cent completion.
He noted that flooding had earlier affected the project and damaged some water and electricity infrastructure, but the situation has since been repaired.
On her part, Nyamagana District Commissioner Amina Makilagi said the floods affected more than 100 residents, forcing them to evacuate their homes, while 32 houses were damaged.
