Govt initiative raises 200bn/- for improving water access

COAST REGION: THE Dar es Salaam Water and Sanitation Authority (DAWASA) has said that the ‘Kumtua Mama Ndoo Kichwani’ campaign has significantly relieved women from the burden of walking long distances in search of water.

The initiative, which is a brainchild of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, aims to enhance access to clean and safe water.

Speaking recently during a meeting held in Kibaha Town to evaluate water projects in the Coast Region and strategise for the 2024/2025 financial year, authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Eng Mkama Bwire, said the campaign has facilitated the mobilisation of 200bn/-, which is being channelled into implementing water projects across the country.

“This campaign – ‘Kumtua Mama Ndoo Kichwani’ – has enabled the implementation of multiple water projects nationwide. Communities that once faced severe and prolonged water shortages are now experiencing improved access, and these challenges are becoming history,” he said.

Eng Bwire provided updates on various projects in the Coast Region, revealing that the Mkuranga Water Project I has been completed, while Mkuranga Water Project II is still under construction.

He also reported that the Kisarawe Water Project, valued at 10.6bn/-, is ongoing and progressing as planned.

“There are also preparations for the Rufiji Water Project, which is expected to produce more than 1.5 million litres per day. Once complete, this project will provide a reliable solution for communities that continue to face water shortages, particularly as the region’s industrial growth drives up demand for water services,” he explained.

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Eng Bwire emphasised that these initiatives align with the government’s longterm vision of ensuring clean water availability in both urban and rural areas, reducing the time women and girls spend fetching water, and improving their overall quality of life.

Coast Regional Commissioner, Mr Abubakar Kunenge, lauded the government for its commitment to financing water projects in the region.

He urged DAWASA to strengthen its project evaluations by involving more community members who directly benefit from the services.

“Evaluations should not only focus on technical progress but also capture the voices of residents who experience the impact of these projects daily. Their feedback is essential for improving service delivery,” Mr Kunenge said.

According to Eng Bwire, the Coast Region has achieved remarkable progress in water accessibility, with clean water coverage now reaching 93 per cent in urban areas and 83 per cent in rural communities.

The ‘Kumtua Mama Ndoo Kichwani’ campaign, launched by President Samia, is a flagship national programme targeting the expansion of water infrastructure to ease the burden on women and girls, who traditionally bear the responsibility of fetching water in many communities.