Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba has directed regional leaders and officials in the Ministry of Water to strengthen oversight of government-owned borehole drilling rigs, warning that a “business as usual” approach could undermine Tanzania’s development ambitions.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday during the Prime Minister’s Question Time, Dr. Nchemba said the equipment, acquired under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration to accelerate access to water services, must be utilized effectively and maintained properly to deliver the intended results.
The Prime Minister said the government expects the rigs to play a key role in expanding water infrastructure, particularly in areas facing persistent water shortages.
“I direct all Regional Commissioners, together with the Ministry, to ensure that the rigs perform the tasks for which they were acquired. In some places, we still see a tendency to continue with the old way of doing things. If we are to realise the aspirations of Vision 2050, we must move beyond business as usual,” he told Parliament.
His remarks came in response to a question from Kwimba MP Cosmas Bullala, who sought clarification on the effectiveness of the drilling equipment.
Dr. Nchemba said the rigs are currently operating in different parts of the country under a national programme targeting the drilling of 900 boreholes, an initiative aimed at increasing access to clean and safe water for communities.
The Prime Minister emphasized that public institutions must adopt a results-oriented approach if Tanzania is to meet its long-term development objectives.
“We cannot continue handling strategic investments as routine matters. Achieving the goals of Vision 2050 requires innovation, commitment and accountability at every level,” he said.
In a separate response, Dr. Nchemba announced that the government is set to begin paying gratuities to volunteer soldiers who participated in the 1978–79 war against former Ugandan leader Idi Amin after legal and administrative hurdles were resolved.
Responding to a question from Njombe MP Deodatus Mwanyika, the Prime Minister said amendments to the law have formally recognised the veterans, including those who underwent short-term military training and were previously excluded from the benefits framework.
“Earlier legislation did not recognise some of these fighters, particularly those who received short-term military training. However, following amendments published through a Government Notice in June 2025, they are now legally recognised,” he said.
He added that the verification exercise for the veterans has been completed, paving the way for payments to commence.
“The verification process has already been undertaken and there are no longer legal obstacles standing in the way. These veterans will now receive the benefits they deserve,” Dr. Nchemba said.
The announcements highlight the government’s dual focus on improving essential public services and addressing long-standing welfare concerns for citizens who contributed to the country’s historic military efforts.
