Dodoma. Dodoma has strengthened preparations for possible heavy El Niño-related rains, with authorities prioritising high-risk areas, improving rainwater control and tightening sanitation enforcement.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by Francisca F. Mselemu, acting head of the Government Communication Unit in the Office of the Regional Commissioner for Dodoma, Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule said the region was prepared to respond to potential impacts at all levels.
She urged residents not to direct or release wastewater into unauthorised areas during rainfall.
She also called on residents to work closely with relevant authorities to manage wastewater.
This, she said, would help prevent health risks and possible disease outbreaks.
The statement said the regional commissioner made the remarks during a meeting with Ward Executive Officers, Street Executive Officers and Street Chairpersons from Dodoma City in Mtumba.
The meeting also addressed environmental cleanliness.
Senyamule abolished the practice of requiring residents to conduct environmental cleaning activities every Saturday.
She said cleanliness should be maintained every day and should not interfere with business hours.
“I have abolished the practice of conducting cleanliness activities every Saturday. People should open their businesses from early in the morning,” she said.
The previous practice had resulted in some businesses opening at 9 a.m., according to the statement.
Under the new arrangement, Ward and Street Executive Officers, together with health officers, have been directed to conduct cleanliness inspections every day, including Saturdays.
They have also been directed to take appropriate action against people who violate sanitation laws and regulations.
“Cleanliness is not a Saturday duty, it is an everyday responsibility,” Senyamule said.
The daily inspections are intended to promote a culture of continuous cleanliness and ensure that the environment remains clean and safe.
The sanitation measures are also relevant to the region’s preparations for heavy rains. Poor wastewater management during rainfall could increase health risks and contribute to disease outbreaks.
Flood preparedness
Dodoma District Commissioner Jabir Shekimweri said the government had strengthened preparations for possible heavy rains.
The measures include improving infrastructure, expanding roads and constructing water retention ponds to harvest and control rainwater.
High-risk areas, including Nzuguni and mining areas, have been given priority, he said.
The region is also implementing the Dodoma Regional One-Year Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan.
Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary responsible for Planning and Coordination Charles Mduma said the plan had identified areas vulnerable to heavy rains.
It also sets out measures to be implemented before, during and after disasters.
Mduma urged Street Chairpersons to review the plan and establish accurate figures for residents living in high-risk areas.
Accurate population data would help the government plan budgets and disaster preparedness strategies more accurately and effectively, he said.
The measures bring together flood preparedness, rainwater control and daily sanitation enforcement as Dodoma prepares for possible heavy El Niño-related rainfall.