News From Parliament

Provision of safe, clean water on track - Mahenge

PROVISION of safe and clean water as per ten-village programme is making good headway, the Deputy Minister for Water, Dr Binilith  Mahenge, told the National Assembly here. He was answering a question from Vicky Kamata (Special Seats - CCM).

Ms Kamata had sought to know the progress attained in the government's  quest to offer clean and safe water and conserve the environment in Geita Region. The deputy minister told the august House that 16 boreholes have been drilled in 12 villages in Bukombe District.

However, he said, a borehole in one of the 12 villages did not produce the anticipated quantity of water. He also said that contractors who will work on new projects in Bulugala, Masumbwe, Bukombe and Shanda villages are being sought.

Seven boreholes have been drilled in seven villages in Chato District. Out of the seven boreholes only four have generated a reliable volume of water. The remaining three boreholes have failed. Further efforts are underway to supply water to more villages.

The villages that will benefit in this category include Rubambague, Muungano and Mlimani Kati. The deputy minister also said that 17 boreholes have been drilled in Geita District. Out of the 17 only 13 struck a deposit of water.

He also said that efforts are being made to rope in drilling contractors who will work on new projects at Ruhuka Nyamtukuza, Nyakazomba, Kayenze, Kalumwa, Chikobe and Kabugozo. The government, he said, expects to accomplish the projects this fiscal year.

He said that the State had a difficult challenge looking for project consultants and contractors in compliance with the requirements of World Bank purchasing regulations. The government was also disappointed when some boreholes failed to produce water.