163bn/- project to ease Dodoma water shortages

DODOMA: PERSISTENT water shortages in Dodoma are set for a longterm solution, with construction of the 163.5bn/- Farkwa Dam scheduled to begin in October this year.

The project is expected to strengthen water security in the city and surrounding areas by providing a reliable and sustainable water supply.

The dam, to be constructed in Chemba District, is expected to serve Dodoma City, Chemba, Bahi and neighbouring areas, supporting domestic consumption, institutions, economic activities and future development.

Hydrologist at the Ministry of Water, Mr David Manyama, said the project will be completed within 22 months and will have the capacity to store 390 million cubic metres of water.

“The Farkwa Dam will play a key role in addressing water shortages in Dodoma City, Chemba, Bahi and surrounding areas. The project is expected to cost about 163.5bn/-,” he said.

Mr Manyama said implementation will be carried out in two phases. The first phase involves construction of the dam and water treatment facilities, while the second will focus on transporting treated water to Dodoma City, Bahi District and Chemba District headquarters.

He said the project is expected to significantly improve water availability, with the dam projected to supply about 128,000 litres of water per day upon completion.

Beyond improving access to water, the project is expected to stimulate economic activities through irrigation farming, fish farming and other water-based investments.

A resident of Mombose Village, Mr Suleiman Gawa, said the community had long been aware of the government’s plans and welcomed the project after receiving compensation.

“We knew this major project would be implemented in our area. In 2019, residents whose properties were affected received compensation,” he said.

Mr Gawa said reliable water will enable residents to expand irrigation farming, fish farming and other productive economic activities.

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Another resident, Mr Jafar Abdulrahman, said the community agreed to relocate after consultations with the government.

“We reached an agreement with the government, which compensated us to pave the way for construction of the Farkwa Dam,” he said.

He added that the project is expected to create employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers during construction and related activities.

The government has paid about 9bn/- in compensation to affected residents, paving the way for implementation of the project.

The Farkwa Dam forms part of the government’s efforts to secure a reliable and sustainable water supply for Dodoma as the country’s administrative capital continues to expand, supporting a growing population, public institutions and economic development.