Uhuru Torch sparks hope as clean water reaches Namtumbo remote villages

NAMTUMBO: THIS is an inspiring story from the residents of Msisima and Mnalawi villages, in the Msisima Ward of rural Namtumbo District and that is over 100 kilometres away from the nearest major town.

The excitement began on May 15, 2025, when the Freedom Torch (Mwenge wa Uhuru) arrived in Msisima to lay the foundation stone for a long-awaited clean water project.

The Msisima-Mnalawi Water Project is being implemented by Scorpion Company Ltd., under the supervision of RUWASA (Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency) and is expected to be completed by June this year.

According to David Mkondya, RUWASA’s district manager in Namtumbo, the project will benefit more than 4,081 residents and has received funding of over 1bn/-.

Speaking with deep emotion beside this year’s National Freedom Torch leader, Ismail Ally Ussi, residents praised the area Member of Parliament, Vita Kawawa, for championing clean water access in the area.

“As particularly for women, we have suffered due to water shortages. Today’s foundation stone brings us hope,” said Swamiti Ibra Said.

“We thank our MP Vita Kawawa, who fought for this project in Parliament and our President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for releasing the funds. For years we depended on rivers and wells, which caused diseases like stomach infections and schistosomiasis. Even worse, women were vulnerable to assaults while fetching water.”

She added that the community is committed to protecting the infrastructure, ensuring no vandalism or theft occurs.

On his part, Mussa Ally Kwizombe recalled that the Freedom Torch last passed near their area in 2013, but not in their village and it was in nearby Lusewa.

“Today, thanks to MP Kawawa and President Samia, the torch is here. We used to walk two to three hours to collect dirty water. Now, we see this water project as a result of our MP’s relentless efforts,” he said.

“When the torch arrives, it’s like seeing Mama Samia herself. It means hope, development and national unity.”

He promised that locals will offer community policing to secure the water infrastructure, adding, “RUWASA is highly respected here. No one will sabotage this project.”

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Standing before the Freedom Torch leader and the people of Msisima, MP Vita Kawawa began by thanking the community for showing up in large numbers to witness the historic event.

“I know you’ve suffered for years fetching water from unreliable and frequently buried wells. I proposed this project myself after witnessing your hardship. I’m proud to say that Msisima Ward alone has received over 2bn/- for multiple development projects,” he said.

Omari Yazidu Said, Chairman of Msisima Village, thanked President Samia and pledged to protect the water infrastructure at all costs.

He also acknowledged the local councillor and MP Kawawa: “This project is a massive relief. Waterborne diseases will now decline. Our schools with over 1,000 pupils will no longer need students to carry water from home. Even expectant mothers had to carry water on their heads to the health centre.”

He added his wish for Kawawa to be re-elected in the upcoming general election for his continued dedication.

National Torch leader applauds development push Ismail Ally Ussi, national coordinator of the 2025 Freedom Torch race, inspected and laid the foundation stone for the project, commending the government of Dr Samia for its commitment to rural development.

“Water will flow here. I urge young people to seize the economic opportunities this water will unlock,” he said.

“The MP has done a commendable job overseeing this and other projects in his constituency.”

Fatu Hamisi Chambo, a resident of Msisima Ward, expressed heartfelt appreciation: “Thank you, Mr Ussi, for approving this foundation stone. We are finally free from the backbreaking labour of pumping water. This project is a huge relief for women in our village.”

The symbolism of the Freedom Torch At every stop in Namtumbo District, the Freedom Torch was met with banners showing images of President Dr Samia, Torch leader Ismail Ally and the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere a reflection of the torch’s historical importance.

The Freedom Torch (Mwenge wa Uhuru) is one of Tanzania’s most powerful national symbols. First lit atop Mount Kilimanjaro on December 9, 1961 by Brigadier Alexander Nyirenda, it symbolises hope, unity and freedom.

As Nyerere famously said: “We light this torch and place it on the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro so it may shine beyond our borders, bringing hope where there is despair, love where there is hatred and respect where there is contempt.” This powerful message still resonates today.

The Freedom Torch continues to illuminate development efforts across the country, highlighting healthcare, education and infrastructure progress.

It reminds citizens that freedom comes with responsibility and that communities must work together to protect their gains, stay united and support their leaders in building a better Tanzania.