PM: Govt ready for El Niño rains
BUKOBA: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has assured citizens that the government is fully prepared to mitigate the impact of El Niño rains expected in several parts of the country from the end of next month.
He said authorities have been directed to strengthen drainage systems and address flood prone areas to minimise damage to roads, homes and other key infrastructure.
Dr Nchemba made the remarks yesterday in the National Assembly during the Prime Minister’s questions session while responding to Bukoba Urban MP Johnston Mutasingwa (CCM), who sought clarification on the government’s preparedness following forecasts issued by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA).
The Premier said the government had taken the warnings seriously and was implementing preventive measures, noting that the Lake Zone is among areas expected to receive heavy rainfall.
He added that regions such as Mwanza could start experiencing the rains towards the end of September or in October.
“The government is well prepared to ensure that areas likely to receive heavy rains have proper drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding,” he said.
Dr Nchemba said the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS) and the Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) have been tasked to inspect vulnerable areas and take corrective action ahead of the rains.
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He said the agencies have been instructed to identify flood-prone locations and improve drainage channels to ensure smooth water flow.
The Prime Minister also directed continuous monitoring of roads to prevent disruptions to the movement of people and goods.
He stressed that protecting road infrastructure is crucial, as flooding can cut off access to markets, schools and health services.
Dr Nchemba further noted that recent amendments to the Finance Bill have enabled direct allocation of funds to relevant institutions, strengthening their capacity to respond to infrastructure challenges.
He urged wananchi to heed weather alerts and take precautions, especially in areas with a history of flooding.
“We know where we live and how water flows during heavy rains. Let us take precautions to avoid disasters when warnings have already been issued,” he said.
