Govt sets aside 1.3bn/- for climate projects

DODOMA: THE Office of the Vice-President (Union and Environment) has set aside 1.3bn/- in the next financial year to implement projects aimed at addressing climate change challenges in both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Deputy Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Mr Reuben Kwagilwa, told the National Assembly that the funds will support interventions in areas affected by climate-related disasters.

He made the statement while responding to a supplementary question from Nungwi MP, Mdowe Haji Kombo, who sought to know the government’s emergency plan to address climate change challenges currently affecting residents in Nungwi.

According to the Deputy Minister, assessments of climate-linked projects have already been completed in Zanzibar, where 148 highly affected areas were identified.

Of the identified areas, 25 are in Unguja and 123 are in Pemba. He said the government has already started implementing climate change projects at community level.

“We have initially begun with 11 local government authorities in Zanzibar and 54 councils in Mainland Tanzania. The next step after completing the assessment is to conduct cost evaluations for each affected area, including those mentioned by the Honourable MP,” he said.

In a supplementary question, Tanganyika MP (CCM), Suleiman Kakoso wanted to know when the government would construct seawalls in Ikola, Isengule and Karema wards, where residents have been displaced after Lake Tanganyika expanded into residential areas. Responding, Mr Kwagilwa said implementation is being carried out in phases depending on the availability of funds.

“Once the Government secures funds, it will continue constructing protective walls in affected areas, as was done in Mikindani and Pemba,” he said.

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In another supplementary question, Bunda (Urban) MP Boniface Getere sought clarification on when similar projects would be implemented in his constituency. In response, the Deputy Minister said the climate change project is being rolled out in councils across Mainland Tanzania in phases based on availability of funds.

“The project will continue this financial year and the next financial year to ensure all affected areas are identified,” he said.

In his basic question, the Nungwi legislator had asked when the government would construct a seawall at Nungwi Kiungani beach to prevent seawater from encroaching into residential areas.

Mr Kwagilwa said the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, in collaboration with the Union Government, has continued to implement measures to address coastal erosion and other impacts of climate change. He said that through the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the government has secured 1.3bn/- for implementation of climate resilience projects during the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years.

“The project aims at strengthening Zanzibar’s preparedness to cope with the impact of climate change,” he added.