Major dam project promises Longido water relief

LONGIDO: THE government is set to begin construction of a more than 20bn/- dam in Engikaret Ward, Longido District, after completing key preliminary processes for the project.

Deputy Minister for Minerals and Longido Member of Parliament, Dr Steven Kiruswa, said the project is expected to provide water for both livestock and residents, helping address longstanding water shortages in Engikaret and neighbouring areas.

Dr Kiruswa made the remarks during a public meeting at Siteti hamlet after inaugurating two classrooms and a teacher’s office built at Shikinzi Primary School in Kiseriani Village through support from Barrick Gold, community contributions and his personal contribution.

“Land for the dam had already been secured, feasibility studies completed and funding made available, with construction expected to begin once a contractor is engaged,” he said.

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According to Dr Kiruswa, the project will become the largest dam in Longido District and is expected to transform access to water for pastoralist communities.

He said the project would reduce the burden of travelling long distances in search of water for livestock and domestic use, adding that residents would need to safeguard the facility once it is completed.

Longido District Council Chairperson, Mr Thomas Ngobei, welcomed the project, saying it would significantly improve water availability for both people and livestock.

He said the dam would rank among the district’s largest development projects and would bring lasting benefits to communities in Engikaret and surrounding areas.

Mr Ngobei acknowledged that the district continued to face development challenges but said the government had been implementing projects in phases based on available resources and priority needs.

Longido CCM District Chairperson, Mr Papa Nakuta, said the party would continue monitoring the implementation of government-funded development projects to ensure resources are used for their intended purposes.