TARURA plans flood control in Geita

DODOMA: THE government is undertaking a detailed assessment to determine the cost and scope of expanding drainage systems at Mbugani and Kivukoni areas in Geita Municipality as part of efforts to address persistent flooding.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Mr Reuben Kwagilwa, said the assessment is being conducted by the Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA).

He made the remarks in the National Assembly on Thursday while responding to a basic question from Mr Chacha Wambura (CCM–Geita Urban), who sought clarification on government plans to construct and rehabilitate drainage infrastructure in the two areas.

Mr Kwagilwa said Mbugani and Kivukoni are naturally prone to flooding due to receiving large volumes of water, particularly during heavy rains. He said that an initial assessment conducted on December 12, 2025, analysed the causes of seasonal flooding and evaluated the capacity of existing drainage systems.

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“The findings showed the need to widen key drainage channels to accommodate increased water flow, starting from the main bus terminal through Mbugani to Kivukoni,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS), through contractor Yamma Contractors, is expanding drainage infrastructure at Shilabela along the Mwanza– Geita highway at a cost of 460m/-, with completion expected by May 15, 2026. Mr Kwagilwa said TARURA is continuing with a comprehensive assessment to establish the overall cost of the drainage expansion project in the affected areas.

“Once the assessment is completed in May 2026, implementation will commence depending on resource availability and prevailing economic conditions,” he said.

Responding to a supplementary question on delays in the 17-kilometre TACTIC road project in Geita, the deputy minister said the contractor has been directed to increase equipment and technical personnel or face penalties.

He added that the contractor has already secured bitumen sufficient for approximately 11 kilometres of tarmac, with construction progress ongoing