KAGERA: RESIDENTS of Bukoba, Karagwe and Muleba districts have expressed their frustration over critical water shortages and the delays in water projects affecting their areas.
They have called for urgent government intervention to address the issue.
Salome Bin’Omugabi (34), a resident of Kanyangero Ward in Bukoba District, explained that women in her community must walk up to ten kilometres to fetch water from a stream.
“We have to wake up very early in the morning and travel long distances to get water, which is not always safe,” she said.
Similarly, Amina Kairuki (22) from Karabagaine Ward voiced concerns about the prolonged delay of the Kemondo-Maruku Water Supply project, which has been pending for nearly three years.
The project, a pledge made by the late President John Magufuli during the 2020 presidential campaign, began in 2021 and was originally slated for completion in 2022.
It is expected to benefit over 250,000 residents across six wards: Kemondo, Bujugo, Maruku, Kanyangereko, Karabagaine (Bukoba Rural) and Muhutwe (Muleba District).
Deputy Minister for Water, Engineer Mathew Kundo, recently visited the Kemondo-Maruku Water Supply project, which is being implemented at a cost of 15.8 billion shillings.
He expressed disappointment with the slow progress and instructed engineers from the Tanzania Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) and the Bukoba Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (BUWASA) to intensify supervision of the contractor.
The project is divided into three phases: Kemondo Ward in phase one, Kanyangereko, Karabagaine, Maruku Wards in phase two and Muhutwe Ward in phase three.
During his tour of Kagera Region, Deputy Minister Kundo also addressed the Kayanga-Rwakajunju Water Supply project in Karagwe District, which is being developed at a cost of 64.32 billion shillings.
This project aims to supply clean water to 352,790 residents across 38 villages. However, progress stands at only 33 per cent, with half of the allotted time already elapsed.
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Kundo criticised the slow pace of the project and instructed the contractor, Afcons Infrastructures Company and JV Vijeta, to increase manpower and work around the clock to meet the December 10, 2025 deadline.
He was particularly frustrated by the fact that the project designers are based in Bombay, India, while only four technicians are currently working on-site.
The Kayanga-Rwakajunju Water Supply project is funded by the Indian High Commission and is one of the largest strategic water projects in the country, supported by a soft loan from the Exim Bank of India.
The implementation of water projects in 28 towns, including Geita, Kayanga, Chato, Handeni, Korogwe, Muheza, Chamwino, Chunya, Wangingombe, Njombe, Makambako, Rujewa, Ifakara, Nanyumbu, Kilwa Masoko, Kaliuwa, Sikonge, Urambo, Kasulu, Mpanda, Pangani, Mafinga, Songea, Rorya/Tarime, Makonde, Singida, Chemba, Manyoni and Mugumu, began on April 12, 2022, following the completion of tax procedures and advance payments to contractors.
“President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the residents of these towns are eagerly waiting for these projects to deliver clean and safe water.
Contractors must work diligently to complete the projects on time and to the expected quality,” Kundo emphasized.
