Dodoma, Coast regions to benefit from UNCDF 33bn/- climate change initiative

DODOMA: IN a bid to address the impacts of climate change, the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) has launched the second phase of the Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL), valued at 33bn/-, targeting Dodoma and Coast regions.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, project coordinator Ms Aine Mushi noted that this phase follows the successful completion of the first phase, which benefited residents in the Kondoa, Chamwino and Mpwapwa districts of Dodoma through the construction of water facilities.

Ms Mushi explained that the second phase will expand activities in the existing three districts in Dodoma and extend to five Coast region’s districts, including one municipality.

“Today, we are launching the second phase of the project to help our fellow Tanzanians cope with climate change,” she stated.

“The first phase was initiated and completed in 2023, with implementations at Kisese Disa Village in Kondoa, Kisisi Village in Mpwapwa and Chiboli Village in Chamwino . The project involved drilling a water well, transforming lives by providing much-needed water,” she said.

She added that the second phase will focus on investments in water infrastructure, climate-smart agriculture projects to enhance rural livelihoods, coastal protection initiatives, and efforts to raise climate awareness and build capacity at the community and local government levels.

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Director of Environment in the Vice-President’s Office, Ms Kemilembe Mutasa said that the project aligns with the national strategy for addressing climate change from 2021 to 2026 and will play a crucial role in combating climate change, particularly in coastal areas, where its effects are already evident.

“This initiative is important because it is part of our national strategy for addressing climate change for the period 2021-2026. A key focus of the strategy is to ensure that our communities can withstand the impacts of climate change, including droughts and floods.

Today, we have seen that the targeted areas are primarily coastal, where the effects of climate change have begun to manifest,” Ms Mutasa stated.

She further noted, “One of the challenges of climate change in the coastal areas, especially in Zanzibar, is sea-level rise. Salty seawater has started to infiltrate areas previously used for farming. Initiatives like these will help mitigate the impacts of climate change and enhance resilience.”

Tanu Micanyago, who traveled to Dar es Salaam to represent his community at the inauguration, expressed his gratitude.

The funds channeled through UNCDF’s LoCAL Facility financed the construction of a water facility and four distribution points, providing clean water to his village for the first time.

“For the first time, we now have access to water. It has helped us overcome the challenge of water scarcity for our daily needs, as well as for livestock and agriculture,” said Mr Micanyago.