Singida. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has urged Tanzanians to take early precautions against possible flooding and other impacts of heavy rains associated with the El Niño weather phenomenon.
Dr Nchemba said preparations should begin now, particularly in areas with a history of flooding, rather than waiting until heavy rains cause disruption.
He made the remarks on Sunday, September 6, 2026, while addressing residents of Ilongero Constituency in Singida Region during a working visit to hear citizens’ concerns and inspect development projects.
He called on local leaders to identify flood-prone areas and ensure residents receive timely warnings, while urging people living in high-risk locations to follow instructions from authorities.
“We know the areas that are particularly dangerous. We know the areas with a history of flooding. It is important that we start taking precautions because that is what we can do,” Dr Nchemba said.
The Prime Minister said the Government was strengthening its preparedness to respond to heavy rains, including ensuring the availability of excavators in different zones to support drainage and other flood-control interventions.
He also cautioned citizens against constructing homes and other buildings in areas known to be vulnerable to flooding.
Dr Nchemba also directed authorities to ensure that the tender for the initial 11-kilometre section of the Igauri-Ilongero road is advertised before the end of September.
He said the section would help bridge the gap between the existing road network and the tarmac road, extending towards Ilongero town.
“Within this month, you should have announced the contractor who will start constructing the initial 11 kilometres, which will close the gap from here to the tarmac road and extend slightly beyond Ilongero town,” he said.
The Prime Minister said funds for the project were already available and that the remaining task was to secure a contractor and begin construction.
Dr Nchemba also called for tighter control of unnecessary Government spending, saying money saved should be directed to priority areas such as education, healthcare, water and infrastructure.
He said the Government needed to start preparing early for the expected increase in the number of students joining Form One from 2028.
The preparations, he said, should include construction of classrooms, laboratories and libraries to prevent overcrowding and ensure students have proper learning facilities.
“It is Government money, taxpayers’ money, which can be used to address these challenges so that children do not have to sit on the floor,” he said.
On healthcare, Dr Nchemba directed health authorities to ensure ambulances remain operational and are adequately fuelled at all times.
He said patients requiring emergency treatment or referrals should not be delayed because ambulances lack fuel.
“Our ambulances should be on standby. We have already bought the vehicles; they should have fuel. At all times, they should have fuel,” he said.
He further urged Tanzanians to enrol in the Universal Health Insurance scheme, saying wider coverage would reduce the need for families to rely on emergency fundraising when faced with medical bills.
“All Tanzanians should join health insurance. We will avoid many of the problems for which we have been seeking emergency solutions, when what is needed are permanent solutions,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the Government would continue investing in water and irrigation projects to support households, livestock keepers and productive economic activities.
He said relevant ministries should work together to ensure such projects deliver tangible benefits to communities.
Dr Nchemba stressed that public resources must be used efficiently and that development projects should deliver value for money while responding to the actual needs of citizens.