Samia to end water blues in Unguja South Region

ZANZIBAR: RESIDENTS of Unguja South Region in the isles have a reason to smile following President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s promise to fund water project in the area.

Minister for Water, Energy and Minerals Mr Shaibu Hassan Kaduara said in the House yesterday that the Head of State has promised to end the problem of water in the area.

He was speaking during the debate on the scarcity of water in various areas of Unguja and Pemba.

“I personally raised this problem to President Dr Samia and she promised to fund the project that will see 17 underground water reserve tanks and 25 overhead water reserve tanks installed with the hope to end water blues in the Unguja South region,” Mr Kaduara said.

Commenting on other areas of Zanzibar such as in Ziwani constituency Pemba, Unguja North, and Stone Town, the Minister informed legislators that several water projects are underway to curb the problem.

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He said the projects involves the construction of boreholes and water wells.

The Minister said JICA is supporting the renovation of the water supply system infrastructure in the Stone Town which include water piping system installation to replace the current dilapidated system with unwanted asbestos pipes.

Moreover, the Minister has reminded the citizens to accept water metering systems by allowing the installation of the devise or risk complete disconnection from water supply system.

He said: “It is unfortunate that there are people who dodge paying the flat-rate of 4,000/- per month for water, and also there are others including those using water in businesses that refuse to use meters. This is unacceptable.”

The Minister also warned dishonest staff within the Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (ZECO) who help some customers to cheat and evade paying bills saying the risk being fired from their jobs.

“We have zero tolerance to corruption practices,” he noted.