The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) for the Morogoro–Rufiji Zone has participated in an official tour by the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Lameck Mwigulu Nchemba, in Morogoro Region, during which a strong call was made for strict observance of environmental protection and climate change considerations in development projects and agricultural activities.
Speaking during the tour, the Prime Minister urged investors and citizens to ensure that all projects and farming practices comply with environmental standards in order to minimise risks associated with climate change, particularly recurring floods that continue to affect communities and infrastructure.
Dr. Nchemba conducted an on-the-ground assessment of flood impacts in the region, inspecting affected residential areas and farms in Kilosa District.
He also visited key transport infrastructure, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Meter Gauge Railway (MGR), to evaluate the extent of damage caused by flooding.
During the visit, the Prime Minister expressed sympathy to families affected by the floods and directed the provision of temporary shelter to 140 households, comprising 506 people.
The displaced families are currently being accommodated at Tindiga Primary School in Tindiga Village, Tindiga Ward.
The Prime Minister further issued a set of directives aimed at providing long-term solutions to flood-related challenges.
These include the rehabilitation of old, collapsed dams, construction of a large water-harvesting dam, routine inspections of infrastructure especially roads and bridges and the integration of environmental and climate change considerations in all development planning.
He also reiterated the government’s directive prohibiting construction in valleys and along natural watercourses.
NEMC’s involvement in the tour highlights its role in ensuring that environmental management and climate resilience are fully integrated into national development efforts, in line with the government’s commitment to sustainable development.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by senior government leaders, including the Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso; the Minister for Transport, Prof. Makame Mnyaa Mbarawa; the Minister for Agriculture, Daniel Chongolo; the Minister for Finance, Khamis Mussa Omari; and the Deputy Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Dr. Festo John Dugange.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening environmental governance, enhancing infrastructure resilience and protecting the safety and livelihoods of citizens in flood-prone areas across the country.