Government moves to end Kilosa floods

MOROGORO: THE government has allocated funds for the construction of a dam in Kilosa District, Morogoro Region, as a long-term solution to the recurring floods.

This was revealed by Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba on Friday during an official working visit to Morogoro, where he inspected damage caused by heavy rains at Kidete and Godegode Wards, as well as Gulwe Town.

“The government plans to construct the Kidete Dam, along with seven to eight additional reservoirs, to regulate water flow, prevent uncontrolled flooding and ultimately eliminate flood risks in Kilosa District,” he said.

Dr Nchemba said that ongoing efforts are focused on completing technical assessments to ensure the dams are built in appropriate locations capable of delivering long-term solutions.

“Regional and District Security Committees recommended the construction of dedicated dams to control water flow and prevent random water dispersal.

When I served as Minister for Finance, President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan assigned me to secure funding for the Kidete Dam and seven to eight additional reservoirs.

I am pleased to confirm that funds for these projects have already been secured,” said Dr Nchemba.

He directed sector ministers to ensure their experts finalise all technical matters quickly so that construction can begin without delay and deliver a permanent solution.

Dr Nchemba further said that the government has implemented temporary flood-control measures since 2010, with further interventions in 2021 and 2022, while simultaneously mobilising resources for long-term dam construction.

On disaster response, Dr Nchemba said the government has released 23m/- as initial funding to support emergency response and humanitarian assistance for affected residents.

He said that the total required budget is approximately 67m/-, with the remaining funds to be mobilised through consultations between the Ministry of Finance and disaster management authorities.

“We thank all stakeholders, institutions and citizens who have come forward to help. This spirit of solidarity reflects true Tanzanian values. This is not the time to politicise people’s suffering or to seek publicity while others are in distress,” he said.

Kilosa District Commissioner Shaka Hamdu Shaka highlighted extensive destruction caused by heavy rains and strong winds that recently struck several parts of the district, affecting hundreds of families and damaging critical infrastructure.

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He said the floods and storms, which intensified around January 28, hit divisions including Magole, Kidete, Kilosa and Mikumi, destroying homes, roads, farms, electricity networks and disrupting transport services.

According to Shaka, 408 households in Magole Division were affected by strong winds and heavy rainfall, some accompanied by hailstorms.

A subsequent storm the following day affected an additional 38 households.

He said Dumila, Magole A and Magole B villages were among the hardest hit, prompting district and regional authorities to mobilise emergency support to help residents return safely to their homes.

Infrastructure damage remains a major concern, particularly in Kidete Division, where several roads especially those with drainage systems were severely damaged, rendering key routes impassable.

Transport services were suspended in areas including Kitete, Lumuma and along roads linking Kilosa to Uleling`ombe. Similar disruptions were reported at Mikumi division, where landslides along the Kilombero highway temporarily halted traffic before engineers restored access.

Flooding in Kilosa Division impacted residential areas like Mamboya, Mabwerebwere, Magomeni and Mkwatani, as rivers overflowed and diverted large volumes of water into the settlements.

Mr Shaka said agriculture, which supports about 72 per cent of Kilosa residents, was heavily impacted, with many farms flooded and covered by sand and debris.

Railway services were also disrupted after the MGR line sustained major damage, while minor impacts were reported along sections of the SGR line.

Electricity infrastructure was damaged as several power poles collapsed, plunging parts of the district into darkness.

Mr Shaka commended TANESCO for its swift response in restoring power, even in hard to reach areas.

One of the most urgent concerns, he added, is the altered course of a major river now flowing toward residential areas, raising fears of more severe flooding if immediate intervention is not undertaken.

He recalled that flood control works implemented in 2010 including river embankments constructed by the government, the military and local communities helped protect Kilosa town for over two decades.

Additional interventions carried out between 2021 and 2022 under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan further reduced flood risks.

DC Shaka expressed confidence that renewed coordination among experts, engineers, TARURA and other stakeholders would deliver urgent and lasting solutions.