Bashe: President Samia fulfills Mwalimu Nyerere's vision on constructing Mkomazi irrigation dam

By Alfred Zacharia

The Respondent Online

Tanga, Tanzania – The long-awaited dream of constructing the Mkomazi irrigation dam, envisioned by the late Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, is now being realized under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.

This was revealed by the Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe, during a public address on October 5, 2024, at Mangamtindiro village in Mkomazi Ward, Tanga Region. 

Speaking to a large gathering of local residents, Minister Bashe highlighted the significance of the project in transforming the region's agricultural landscape.

"Of the 14 dams under construction in the 2024/25 financial year, the Mkomazi Dam stands out as a major project. With an investment of TZS 18 billion, the dam will benefit more than 20,000 people across seven wards and 28 villages," Minister Bashe said. 

He expressed gratitude to the residents of Goha village, who generously donated 10 acres of land to pave the way for this historic initiative.

The minister detailed that the project will include the construction of two major water pipelines, spanning 16 and 29 kilometers, which will deliver water to different areas. 

The development will also feature key infrastructure such as main and disposal canals, a warehouse, an agricultural machinery center, a rice milling facility, and access roads to support farming activities and transport of harvests.

In addition to the Mkomazi Dam, Minister Bashe addressed residents of other wards that will benefit from the broader Mkomazi Valley project, including Chekelei, Magila Gereza, Mazinde, Momba, and Makuyuni. 

These communities will receive enhanced irrigation infrastructure, bringing the total value of the project to over TZS 100 billion.

"The expansion of this initiative will see these areas receive similar benefits, such as warehouses and agricultural equipment centers, to support local farmers in boosting productivity and ensuring food security," he added.

Minister Bashe also issued directives to the National Irrigation Commission, under the leadership of Director General Raymond Mndolwa, to ensure livestock areas are designated for watering, as well as to secure the dam's infrastructure by installing electric fencing. 

Additionally, solar-powered streetlights will be installed around the dam to enhance security and improve conditions for surrounding communities.

This ambitious project is seen as a major milestone in Tanzania's agricultural development, directly contributing to the country's efforts to boost food production and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.