Tanzania opens the lid on 730bn/- set for El Niño preparedness

DODOMA: THE government has clarified that the Sh730 billion associated with preparations to address the effects of El Niño is not a newly allocated budget, but rather the total estimated resources required by various institutions to implement planned activities during the 2026/2027 financial year within their approved budgets.

The government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, said the clarification was intended to dispel misleading information regarding the use of the funds.

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Speaking to journalists in Dodoma, Msigwa said the government had prepared a national plan for El Niño preparedness and response following a forecast by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) indicating the possibility of a strong El Niño event during the 2026/2027 period.

He said the phenomenon could lead to heavy rainfall, floods, landslides and disease outbreaks, making early preparations necessary to protect the lives and property of citizens.