Restore infrastructure in flood ravaged areas, govt orders

MOROGORO: MINISTER of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament and Coordination) Jenista Mhagama has instructed government executives to restore essential infrastructure damaged by floods that hit Morogoro Municipality recently.

The downpour that hit the region on January 25 this year not only destroyed properties and road network infrastructure but also left more than 200 people homeless.

The minister issued the directives on Thursday after visiting the areas that were affected by floods.

“It is high time government officials organised themselves to restore the damaged infrastructure and prepare against the natural calamities, particularly during this rainy season,” Minister Mhagama asserted.

In particular, Ms Mhagama, said the government continues to carry out detailed assessment of the damage caused by the floods.

She stressed the need for continuing providing public awareness about the possible consequences of the ongoing heavy rains in various parts of the country.

She said public awareness would help to mitigate the impact caused by the ongoing rains.

The minister further commended Morogoro Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Adam Malima, and his team for being well prepared to face the challenges of the ongoing rains.

“I would like to commend the RC and his team for initiating a group to help victims. Presence and activeness of fire volunteers is an indication that the region is organised…I also congratulate the fire volunteers’ group for the good work they did on January 25, this year to save people and their property, this is a matter of pride for our region,” Mhagama stated.

For his part, Morogoro RC, Mr Adam Malima requested the minister to enhance efficiency of Fire and Rescue Services in the region in order to strengthen the young fire volunteers.

Representative of the flood victims, Mr Fikiri said they lost everything and they had nothing to rely on.

“We lost almost everything, the houses have collapsed, everything is washed away by floodwater, we have nothing to eat, wear even and shelter, we don’t know what to do,” Fikiri pointed out.

According to the statement of the Morogoro Fire and Rescue Service, despite the death of six people, 157 households were affected with a total of more than 246 people taken to safe places.

Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) has been issuing warning in its latest weather forecast, predicting more torrential rains in various regions, including Dar es Salaam, Coast, Morogoro, Lindi, Mtwara, Njombe, Ruvuma, and some parts of the Zanzibar archipelago.

The forecast also highlighted the possibility of strong winds and large ocean waves along the coasts of the Indian Ocean.