TANGA: OVER half of the 2.8tri/- allocated to Tanga Region by the government has been channeled into advancing water projects, according to Tanga Regional Commissioner, Ambassador Dr Batilda Burian.
This investment, she said, aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s pledge to relieve Tanzanian women from the burden of carrying water on their heads.
Dr Burian shared these remarks during a ceremony at her office in Tanga over the weekend, where she handed over a Toyota Hilux vehicle valued at 154m/- to the Pangani District Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) and two motorbikes, worth 8m/- to Community Water Supply Organisations (COWSOs) in Korogwe District.
“These resources demonstrate President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s unwavering commitment to resolving water challenges and easing the water burden on women,” Dr Burian said at the handover event.
She noted that the vehicles and motorbikes would strengthen Tanga’s efforts to reach Tanzania’s ambitious clean water targets of 85per cent coverage in rural areas and 95per cent in urban areas by next year.
The Regional Commissioner highlighted that this financial boost has brought Tanga Region closer to achieving these national water access goals. She urged the people of Tanga to recognise and appreciate President Samia for her steadfast support in bringing substantial funding for development projects across the region.
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Dr Burian commended President Samia for her vision, as well as Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso and RUWASA for their dedicated efforts in advancing clean water initiatives. “Tanga is on the right track.
Pangani District has already exceeded the rural water target, reaching 86per cent coverage, while urban areas stand at 96 per cent,” she noted.
In addition to water initiatives, Dr Burian announced a new environmental sustainability project, “Green Tanga is Possible,” aimed at enhancing Tanga’s greenery and mitigating climate change impacts. She urged all communities to prioritise environmental conservation as part of this initiative.
“I am directing all COWSOs to establish tree nurseries, with an emphasis on fruit trees, so they are ready for planting around water sources and homes when the time comes. I have also instructed the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) to assist in this effort and expect full cooperation from COWSOs,” she said.
Beyond water, Dr Burian mentioned that Tanga has received 67 billion TZS for the health sector, significantly improving health services, including acquiring modern medical equipment and constructing new health centres.
Engineer Upendo Lugongo, Tanga Regional RUWASA Manager, welcomed the resources, emphasising that transportation challenges often hinder access to remote areas. “We are grateful to the government and President Samia for this support, which will boost our performance and bring us closer to our goal,” she said.
Pangani District Commissioner Gift Msuya also praised the President’s commitment, expressing confidence that Pangani could reach 106 per cent water coverage by the end of the current project.
“I have personally visited 29 of the 33 villages and all have access to clean water. This is a testament to President Samia’s vision,” she affirmed.
