In a major step toward transforming agriculture and improving rural livelihoods, the government has disbursed over TSh 13 billion for the construction of a large-scale irrigation scheme in Iringa District.
The announcement was made during a special event held at Mangalali village, where Iringa District Commissioner, Comrade Kheri James, led residents and agricultural stakeholders in witnessing the official handover of the project site and the introduction of the contractor.
The project, valued at TSh 13,462,984,502, will be executed by M/S GNMS Construction Ltd and is expected to take 18 months to complete.
The National Irrigation Commission will oversee its implementation to ensure quality and accountability throughout the construction phase.
Speaking at the event, Comrade James described the initiative as a game-changer for the region’s agricultural sector.
“This project is not just about building canals and roads—it’s about creating jobs, increasing incomes, and improving food security. It will change lives,” he said.
Once completed, the irrigation scheme will expand the current area under irrigation from 125 acres to 1,250 acres.
The increased water access is expected to enhance agricultural productivity, enable year-round farming, and open up new economic opportunities for farmers.
Comrade James called on residents to prepare themselves to fully utilize the new infrastructure, stressing that community involvement is key to the project’s long-term success.
“Let us own this project. Let us protect it and make the most of the opportunity it presents,” he urged.
Engineer Peter Konaay, Regional Manager of the National Irrigation Commission in Iringa, outlined the key components of the project.
These include the construction of primary and secondary irrigation canals, farm access roads, storage facilities, an irrigation office, and a residential house for the scheme manager.
“This is a comprehensive investment in agricultural infrastructure. It will not only provide reliable water for farming but also improve transport and management systems around the scheme,” Konaay said.
Local residents, particularly those from Mangalali village and the broader Ulanda Ward, welcomed the project with enthusiasm.
They praised the government’s decision to invest in irrigation and pledged to use the new system effectively to increase crop yields and improve their standard of living.
“We have been farming under very difficult conditions, relying on rainfall that is no longer reliable. This project gives us renewed hope,” said one farmer.
The project is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity through the expansion of irrigation infrastructure, especially in regions with high farming potential like Iringa.