KILIMANJARO: THE government has allocated 9.3bn/- for the implementation of a major water project aimed at addressing longstanding water shortages in 31 villages located in the lowland plains of Rombo District, Kilimanjaro Region.
This was revealed by Rombo MP and Minister for Education, Science and Technology Professor Adolf Mkenda, while speaking about the upcoming project.
Prof Mkenda said that all plans for the project have been finalised and that the necessary funds have been secured.
“The government has completed all preparations for this water project, which will source water from Lake Chala,” said Prof Mkenda.
“This initiative reflects the commitment of the sixthphase government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure every citizen, including the people of Rombo, has access to clean and safe water,” he added.
The announcement has been welcomed with joy by residents of the lowland areas, who have long struggled with limited access to clean water.
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A local resident, Ulrika Tesha described the project as a major relief.
“Lack of clean and safe water has not only affected our daily lives but also impacted our economic activities. Many of us are forced to walk between 10 to 15 kilometres every day just to fetch water,” she said.
Another resident, Josephat Shao, shared his longstanding frustrations.
“Water shortages have become a way of life for us. There are times you must leave home at midnight with a bicycle just to fetch water. When you finally find it, it feels like striking gold. You use it sparingly because you know how far you’ll have to go to get more,” he explained.
According to Engineer Festo Joseph from the Rombo Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (Rombowssa), the project is expected to be completed by July this year.
“We are currently in the materials procurement phase. Once completed, the contractor will begin implementation and we are confident that the project will be finalised within the scheduled timeline,” Eng Joseph said.
