Buzwagi Mine funds 4.8bn/- rainwater project

SHINYANGA: BARRICK-Buzwagi Mine, in its final closure phase, is funding a 4.8bn/- rainwater filtration project to provide clean, safe water to Mwendakulima and broader Kahama residents.

Buzwagi Mine Closure Manager Zonnastraal Mumbi said, during the Uhuru Torch reception and foundation stone laying ceremony, that the mine had decided to fund the project to address water access challenges in Kahama District, despite being in its closure phase.

“This is one of the outcomes of the mine’s closure process. The project involves establishing rainwater infrastructure to harvest, collect and distribute water to Kahama residents,” Mr Mumbi said.

Buzwagi Mine is part of Twiga Minerals, a partnership between the government and Barrick. Other mines under Twiga include Bulyanhulu in Shinyanga and North Mara in Tarime, Mara Region.

“Buzwagi Mine has funded 62 per cent of this rainwater project to ensure the establishment of modern, high-quality infrastructure that delivers lasting benefits to the people of Kahama,” he said.

The Kahama Urban Water and Sanitation Authority (KUWASA) Water Distribution and Environmental Management Director, Eng Magige Marwa, said the water project could significantly address the challenge of accessing clean and safe water in Kahama.

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“This project is expected to be completed by December this year, with 78 per cent of the work already done,” he said, adding that KUWASA will cover 38 per cent of the remaining funding through the Ministry of Water.

The Mwendakulima rainwater filtration project is expected to serve over 66 per cent of Kahama Municipal residents and will have the capacity to produce 10 million litres of water per day.

Meanwhile, Uhuru Torch national relay leader Ismail Ali Ussi commended the Ministry of Water for effectively advancing the government’s vision of easing the burden on women by ensuring access to water services in both urban and rural areas.

“I congratulate all experts from the Ministry and Water Authorities here in Kahama for their tireless efforts— working day and night to provide Tanzanians with clean and safe water,” he said.

Kahama District Commissioner Frank Nkinda stressed the importance of working hard and sustaining the momentum in implementing development projects to meet citizens’ needs with high standards.