The government has been directed to fast-track plans to extend the Kilwa Water Project to Mandawa, Hoteli Tatu and neighbouring communities, as authorities seek to address persistent water shortages beyond the areas covered by the existing network.
Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi issued the directive after inspecting the project at Mavuji in Kilwa District during his working visit to Lindi Region, saying the benefits of government investment should reach communities that continue to struggle to access clean and safe water.
He said expanding the project would help ensure that more residents benefit from the investment being made under President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration.
The directive puts the focus on extending water infrastructure to underserved communities as the government moves towards completing the existing project.
Water Minister Jumaa Aweso said the relevant water authority had been instructed to begin designing the proposed expansion to establish its scope and cost.
He said the ministry would provide funds to facilitate the process.
The Kilwa Water Project, implemented under the 28 Towns Water Supply Project, is valued at approximately TZS44.25 billion and has reached 97.4 per cent completion.
It has already started supplying water and is expected to benefit about 59,983 residents in Kilwa Masoko, Kilwa Kivinje, Mavuji and Mchakama.
Drawing water from the Mavuji River, the project has a production capacity of five million litres a day.
It is also expected to support operations at Kilwa Masoko Fishing Port, which requires approximately one million litres of water daily when operational.
However, the proposed extension to Mandawa, Hoteli Tatu and surrounding areas will require additional investment, with the ongoing design process expected to establish the cost of reaching the new communities.
The expansion is intended to widen access to safe water and ensure that communities beyond the current project coverage also benefit from the infrastructure.