President Samia Launches 19-Year-Old Water Project

Tanzania's President Samia Launches Long-Awaited Water Project After 19 Years of Delay

March 9, 2025
A major water project, sourced from the Nyumba ya Mungu dam, was launched on March 9, 2025, expected to benefit over 456,931 residents of Same, Mwanga, and Korogwe districts.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan inaugurated a crucial water supply project on Sunday, March 9, 2025, aimed at improving access to clean water for more than 456,931 residents in the Same, Mwanga, and Korogwe districts.

The project, which draws water from the Nyumba ya Mungu dam, first began in 2014. With the completion of its first phase, the project has cost over 300 billion Tanzanian shillings.

This milestone comes after Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango’s visit in March 2024, where he had vowed to step down if water was not flowing by June 2024.

"President Samia's directive is clear: water must flow to Mwanga and Same by June this year. I urge you to be prepared and ensure proper oversight of contractors and experts," Dr. Mpango said, emphasizing the project's importance.

Despite previous promises, delays had persisted. However, President Samia disclosed that Dr. Mpango had written a letter requesting to step down, though he did not confirm whether the request was related to the water project.

Dr. Mpango, who is 68, cited personal reasons for his request, expressing his desire to live a long life beyond the age of his mother, who lived to 88. "These demands are overwhelming, and I don’t see myself reaching my goal," he had shared with President Samia. “Please allow me to rest."

This water project, promised during the tenure of former President Jakaya Kikwete in May 2005, has been long awaited by residents.

The official launch ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso, and former Prime Minister Cleopa Msuya, who is a resident of Mwanga and a long-time advocate for the project’s completion.

Key Details of the Project
Minister Aweso highlighted that the Nyumba ya Mungu dam's water reservoir can hold up to 103 million liters, while the water demand for Same and Mwanga is only 6 million liters.

"Today's achievement is a major milestone. With this project, the region can comfortably meet the water needs of Mwanga and Same," Aweso said.

Governor Nurdin Babu of Kilimanjaro explained that the project's origins date back to when Samia Suluhu Hassan, as Vice President, laid the foundation stone.

Following the first phase's completion, 89% of the Mwanga district now has access to clean water.

A Symbol of Political Unity
Governor Babu also praised the political stability in the region, referencing the landslide victory of the ruling party, CCM, in the local government elections, where they won 98.25% of the vote in Kilimanjaro, and 100% in Same and Mwanga.

“Thanks to the substantial investments in development, we have seen tremendous progress,” Governor Babu added. The water project is just one of 1,360 development initiatives in the region.

Voices of the Local People
For many residents of Mwanga, the completion of the water project is a huge relief. They shared their struggles of walking long distances for unsafe water, often affecting their daily lives.

Leonard Mapunde, a resident since 1976, reflected on the water scarcity they faced for over 40 years. “Since moving here in 1976, access to clean water was always a challenge. We are grateful for this project,” Mapunde said.

Monica Abdalla recalled the arduous task of fetching water from distant and unsafe sources. "It was difficult to find clean water, and even more challenging when it got dirty due to contamination. But now, with this project, we have water closer to home," she said.

Resident Gifteli Ngowo expressed relief at the ease of access to water and pledged to protect the infrastructure. "We will ensure this infrastructure is maintained, and anyone damaging it will be reported," he stated.

The community's collective hope is that this project will continue to provide water security for years to come, improving the quality of life for all involved.