By The Respondent Reporter
President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has allocated TZS 45 billion for the implementation of water projects aimed at resolving the ongoing water crisis in Dodoma City.
The decision comes as the city awaits the long-term solutions of two major initiatives the Lake Victoria water supply project and the Farkwa Dam project.
The announcement was made by Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso, during the signing ceremony of a TZS 5 billion water distribution project through boreholes at Nzuguni A, which is expected to benefit over 123,000 residents.
“The President has shown strong commitment to tackling the water challenges in Dodoma. Following instructions from her, we are implementing water projects worth more than 45 billion shillings to ease the burden faced by residents,” said Minister Aweso.
He added that the TSh 5 billion Nzuguni A project will produce 20 million litres of water per day, helping to address acute shortages in several areas.
Minister Aweso explained that the project was initiated after Dodoma Urban MP, Anthony Mavunde, raised the issue directly with the President during her visit to Mpunguzi.
“Your Member of Parliament presented a request to President Samia regarding the drilling of deep boreholes. She responded positively, and the Ministry moved swiftly to implement the directive,” Aweso said.
In addition to the Nzuguni A project, the Minister noted that the government is continuing with other key water projects in the region.
These include Nala (TSh 3.8 billion), the University of Dodoma (TZS 1.2 billion), and the Government City (TZS 35.6 billion).
He said that the Ministry, through DUWASA and RUWASA, has also formed research teams currently conducting groundwater studies and borehole drilling in several neighborhoods, including Mzakwe, Kisasa, Nkuhungu, Miganga, Zuzu, Msalato, and Ihumwa.
“I am personally here in Dodoma and will begin a special inspection tour tomorrow to closely monitor the implementation of these projects,” Aweso announced. “Our aim is to ensure that every resident of Dodoma gets access to clean and reliable water.”
Anthony Mavunde welcomed the government’s efforts, saying the new project will have a big impact on the daily lives of many city residents.
“The Nzuguni A distribution project will greatly reduce the burden of water rationing in areas such as Nkuhungu, Miganga, Chidachi, Nzuguni, Kisasa-Bwawani, Mwangaza, Ipagala, Ilazo, Swaswa, Mpamaa, and Njedengwa,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, the Director General of the Dodoma Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (DUWASA), Eng. Aron Joseph, said the project targets to serve at least 123,095 people.
“Once completed, this project will increase our daily water production from 81 million litres to 91 million litres. That’s a 30 percent rise in supply from the Nzuguni water source alone,” he said.
The rollout of these projects marks a significant step toward solving Dodoma’s chronic water shortages. With President Samia’s backing and close oversight by the Ministry of Water, residents are hopeful that consistent access to clean water will soon become a reality.
