Rural water coverage in West Tanzania hits 72 percent

KIGOMA: THE Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) in Kigoma Region has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring reliable access to clean and safe water in all villages across the region, as part of broader efforts to improve the lives of rural residents.

Speaking during a four-day training session for senior RUWASA officials from all districts in the Kigoma Region, RUWASA Kigoma Regional Manager, Engineer Mathias Mwenda, stated that the current rural water coverage in the region has reached 72 percent.

 He added that 25 water projects are currently under implementation, and once completed, the coverage will increase to 85 percent.

The training was organized by the non-governmental organization Water Mission, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

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Commenting on the training, Rose Mlela, a Community Development Officer from Water Mission, said the objective was to exchange knowledge and best practices on the design and implementation of solar-powered water projects. She emphasized that the goal is to ensure these projects are sustainable and capable of delivering consistent services.

Meanwhile, Justus Ndenzako, Head of UNICEF’s Kigoma Office, highlighted that the training aims to bring together and empower engineers and project managers to ensure that projects are completed to standard, begin providing services on time, and remain functional over the long term.

He stressed that the implementation of these projects is intended to reduce the burden on communities that currently walk long distances in search of water by bringing clean water closer to their homes.

RUWASA Kigoma has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the government’s goal of delivering quality water services to rural communities, recognizing that access to safe water is a crucial foundation for health, development, and community well-being.