Kidunda Dam project hailed as Tanzania’s major boost to  water, agriculture, energy sectors

MOROGORO: TANZANIA N government’s   Chief Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa has commended the Ministry of Water for its effective supervision of the Kidunda Dam project, describing it as one of Tanzania’s major strategic investments expected to bring far-reaching transformation to the water, agriculture, energy and environmental conservation sectors.

Mr Msigwa, who is also Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, made the statement when briefing journalists during a visit to the project site in Morogoro Region, where construction has reached 50.3 percent completion.

According to the government spokesperson, the dam would provide a long-term solution to water shortages facing residents of Dar es Salaam and Coast regions while boosting the capacity of the Upper Ruvu and Lower Ruvu water treatment plants operated by DAWASA.

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Additionally, he noted that the project would benefit nearly seven million people by ensuring a more reliable and sustainable water supply.

“After decades of delays since 1961, the President has approved 336bn/- that enabled the implementation of this historic project shortly after assuming office. This investment will significantly improve water security for millions of Tanzanians,” he said.

Moreover, he said that beyond addressing water challenges, the dam would stimulate economic growth through agriculture, fisheries and the generation of 20 megawatts of electricity while noting that the project is also expected to support irrigation activities and enhance productivity in surrounding areas.

Furthemore, Mr Msigwa dismissed concerns that had previously been raised regarding the project’s environmental impact, saying the dam had been designed with environmental conservation in mind.

He explained that the reservoir would store 190 billion litres of water, of which only two billion litres would be used daily.

According to him, more than 600 million litres per day will be channelled to DAWASA water treatment facilities, while 400 million litres will support operations at the Mkulazi sugar plantations. Over 900 million litres will continue flowing to sustain and protect the ecological balance of the Ruvu River, ensuring environmental sustainability alongside economic development.