The mega-project that is aimed at making
water woes in the region a thing of the past is planned to kick off in
July, this year and will be completed within 18 months.
“The government has already finalised
feasibility study for the project aimed at addressing water scarcity
problem in Tabora Region,” the PS told the ‘Daily News’ in an exclusive
interview.
Eng Futakamba said the 18-month project
would be jointly carried out by the governments of India and Tanzania,
saying the water pipeline would be connected from Kahama District in
Shinyanga Region.
“Urambo District will be connected with
water supply service from Malagarasi River while other districts in the
region will be supplied with water from Lake Victoria,” observed the PS.
Unveiling the water national board early
last week, Water and Irrigation Minister Greyson Lwenge directed the
new national water board to ensure Tanzanians have access to the
precious liquid by 95 per cent in urban centres and 85 per cent in rural
areas by 2020.
“A total of 1,800 water projects are
currently in progress to curb the current shortage,” he said when
inaugurating the second water national board since its establishment in
2011.
He said that the government is preparing
a water resource management programme to be executed in all basins,
adding that it would soon conduct strategic environmental assessment in
said basins.
Eng Futakamba said the main role of the
board is to advise the minister responsible for water in integrated
water resources management and development plans.
“The water national board shall advise
the water minister in addressing water disputes with national or
international aspects,” he said, noting that the previous board has
registered achievements in the protection of catchment areas.