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Residents of Mwongozo, Pozamoyo, and Uhindi villages in Kaliua District, Tabora, are finally free from the water scarcity that has plagued them since Tanzania gained independence.
A new water project, which cost approximately 438,308,000 TZS, promises to address the long-standing issue of access to clean, safe, and sufficient water, with a particular focus on easing the burden for women in these villages.
The completion of the water project was celebrated as a significant milestone for the community, offering hope for a brighter future.
Dr. Gerald Mongela, the District Commissioner of Kaliua, emphasized the importance of enhancing water infrastructure and ensuring effective delivery of services to all residents:
"We must explore all possibilities to optimize our water distribution system. Instead of diverting the pipeline, which would increase costs, we can tap into the existing network to make it easier for the villagers to access water. I am confident this approach is feasible. I also urge the leaders who have received motorcycles to use them to reach all citizens and ensure they receive the best possible service. My message is clear: serve the people fairly, following established procedures and guidelines. I do not want to hear complaints from the public," he said.
Dr. Mongela also stressed the need to protect the infrastructure, warning against any destruction of the newly established systems:
"For those who wish to connect water to their homes, we will ensure they receive this service promptly, in line with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision of easing the burden on women. This infrastructure must be respected, protected, and maintained like the most precious resource we have. Anyone found damaging it will face legal action," he noted.
Engineer Boniface Mapambano, the Manager of the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (Ruwasa) in Kaliua District, provided further details during the project’s groundbreaking ceremony.
He explained that the project, valued at 438,308,000 TZS, will benefit 19,598 residents in the Kaliua and Ulyankulu constituencies, effectively solving the water crisis that has plagued the area for years.
"Once completed, this project will serve thousands of residents across the two constituencies and significantly improve access to clean water for local families," Mapambano stated.
Councilor Kasonso Jacobo Issacka of Mwongozo Ward expressed his gratitude to the government for the project, which he believes will be a game-changer for the entire community:
"I am deeply thankful to the government for this project, which is a lifesaver for the villagers. It is particularly important for the health center, Mwongozo Secondary School, and even the primary school. The health center, which has been under construction since 2002, is now complete, and we finally have access to clean water. This project will greatly enhance the lives of all of us," he said.
Brighton Lucas, a resident of Kaliua, shared his heartfelt appreciation for the project, reflecting on the struggles the community had faced for decades:
"Since independence in 1961, we never had access to clean and safe water until today. The government has remembered us, and we are incredibly grateful. We promise to protect and take good care of this infrastructure, as it is now our lifeline," he noted
Taus Khalfan, another Kaliua resident, expressed relief and gratitude for the water services, highlighting how the project has improved their daily lives:
"I am extremely thankful to the government for providing us with water services. We used to face serious water shortages, and now we no longer have to leave our homes in search of water. We are also grateful for the promise of additional wells to fully resolve the water issue," she said
The completion of this water project marks a turning point for the residents of Mwongozo, Pozamoyo, and Uhindi villages.
As the community enjoys access to clean, reliable water for the first time in decades, the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and uplifting the lives of citizens continues to make a lasting impact. With more developments promised, the future looks brighter for these villages.
