Vice President Deogratias Ndejembi has ordered authorities to urgently clear drainage systems, prepare roads and strengthen emergency response measures ahead of El Niño rains expected to begin in October.
The directive comes as the government steps up preparations to prevent flooding and other disruptions that could affect communities, transport infrastructure and essential services during the rainy season.
Mr Ndejembi issued the orders yesterday after receiving a report on government preparedness following an alert from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA) on the expected El Niño rains.
He directed ministries, local government authorities and other institutions involved in disaster preparedness to work together and complete preventive measures before the rains begin.
“A rapid campaign should be conducted, water channels and drainage systems should be cleared, and roads should be prepared,” he said.
The Vice President also directed authorities to involve the security and defence forces in the preparations to ensure there is sufficient manpower and capacity to respond quickly if flooding or other emergencies occur.
He ordered authorities to ensure waste, mud and soil removed while clearing drains and waterways are immediately transported to designated disposal sites.
Leaving the material along roads could result in it being washed back into drainage systems once the rains start, he warned.
Mr Ndejembi also ordered authorities supervising road construction projects to ensure contractors quickly spread construction materials, including piles of gravel, instead of leaving them on roads and other public spaces.
He said delays could create additional problems for residents, particularly when heavy rains begin.
Road projects, he added, should include clear plans to keep roads passable and safe throughout the rainy season.
The measures are part of a wider government preparedness plan being coordinated by a national committee established to prevent, control and respond to disasters associated with the expected rains.
The government is assessing settlements in valleys and other flood-prone areas, while increasing public awareness on disaster risks.
Authorities are also inspecting markets and other places where large numbers of people gather, alongside sanitation campaigns aimed at reducing risks before the rains.
Other measures include clearing drains, waterways and natural water channels, managing wastewater and inspecting bridges and other critical infrastructure to identify weaknesses before the rains arrive.
The government is also developing a coordinated emergency response plan to ensure institutions can work together in rescue operations and the provision of essential services if flooding or other rain-related disasters occur.
Mr Ndejembi received preparedness reports from Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President (Union and Environment) Hamad Yusuf Masauni, Minister of State in the President’s Office–Regional Administration and Local Government (Tamisemi) Prof Riziki Shemdoe, and Deputy Minister for Construction Godfrey Kasekenya.