DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS: PM demands strict oversight

CHAMWINO: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has directed government officials to ensure proper supervision of development projects across the country, including those in water, electricity, health, infrastructure and education, so that citizens fully benefit from them.

He said the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has made significant investments in development projects, stressing that implementation must reflect intended objectives.

Dr Nchemba made the remarks yesterday, while addressing residents at a public rally held at Msanga Primary School grounds in Chamwino District, Dodoma Region, shortly after laying the foundation stone for a water project during his working visit to inspect development initiatives.

He said the primary responsibility of officials is to ensure effective oversight of projects in their respective areas and guarantee that citizens benefit as envisioned by the President.

“The government’s goal is to ensure that all Tanzanians benefit from national resources through development projects implemented in their areas. Tanzanians must benefit from the fruits of their nation,” he said.

The Prime Minister also cautioned citizens against individuals who use religious platforms to engage in politics, warning that such actions risk dividing the country along religious and political lines.

“Fellow Tanzanians, let us continue to safeguard our unity and peace. There are people attempting to use politics and religion to divide us. We must remain vigilant against such individuals,” he stressed.

Earlier, Dr Nchemba laid the foundation stone for the 28-Towns Water Project in Chamwino District, commending President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for initiating the strategic project, which is expected to address longstanding water shortages in the area.

He further assured that by 2030, all remaining 1,575 villages in the country will have access to clean and safe water, citing the current pace of implementation of water projects nationwide.

“The pace of implementation gives us confidence that we will achieve our targets within the set timeframe,” he said.

The Premier noted that the government has procured modern drilling rigs, with each region now equipped with its own machinery to speed up water projects.

He also directed contractors to ensure timely payment of subcontractors, technicians and casual labourers after receiving government funds, following complaints of delayed payments. In addition, he instructed the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Engineer Mwajuma Waziri, to address grievances from Chamwino residents who claim inadequate compensation for land surrendered for the project.

Minister for Water Jumaa Aweso said the government is implementing a major initiative to address persistent water shortages in Chamwino District, noting that water scarcity was among key concerns raised by residents during the 2025 elections.

He said current water demand in Chamwino stands at about seven million litres per day, while production is only four million litres, creating a significant deficit.

“Once completed, this project will produce up to 12 million litres of water per day, enough to meet demand and ensure 100 per cent coverage,” he said.

Mr Aweso said the 17.2bn/- project is expected to be completed between July and August 2026 and has already reached over 70 per cent completion.

He added that the ministry has been instructed to ensure timely completion, while introducing prepaid water systems (water LUKU) to improve efficiency and reduce complaints.

He further directed that new water connections should not exceed seven days, warning that delays by officials will not be tolerated.

Mr Aweso commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for strengthening the water sector, noting that the establishment of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) has increased rural water access from below 50 per cent to 85 per cent.

ALSO READ: ‘Inclusive economy fosters unity’

“In the next five years, all villages in Tanzania will have access to clean and safe water,” he said.

Director of Urban Water Supply at the Ministry of Water, Eng Charles Mafie, said the project will benefit about 60,000 residents in Msanga, Buigiri, Chamwino-Ikulu, Vikonje and Mtumba areas. He said implementation has reached more than 70 per cent and includes drilling eight boreholes across the project zones.

The project is part of a broader initiative to strengthen water infrastructure and ensure sustainable supply in rapidly growing areas.