The government has allocated a total of TZS 5 billion to expedite the implementation of water projects in Moshi District, Kilimanjaro Region. This announcement was made over the weekend by Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) Moshi District Manager, Engineer Mussa Msangi, during a meeting with the district's Community Owned Water Supply Organisations (CBWSOs).
Msangi detailed that the funds will support operational activities, procure equipment for ongoing projects, maintain CBWSO operations, and facilitate transportation for CBWSO managers. He emphasized that this financial injection will act as a catalyst in achieving the goal of 87% water availability by 2025.
“Currently, there are four water projects valued at TZS 3.1 billion underway. Once completed, these projects will boost clean and safe water access in Moshi Rural from 84.5% to 87%, surpassing the government’s rural water access target of 85%,” Msangi explained.
The ongoing projects include the Marangu water project, costing TZS 2.1 billion, Kirua Vunjo South at TZS 526 million Okaoni-Kibosho Central at TZS 500 million, and Maua-Kirima-Otaruni at TZS 488 million.
In her opening remarks at the meeting, Moshi District Divisional Officer, Ms. Theresia Mmbaga, urged residents to protect water infrastructure to ensure the sustainability of water services. Representing Moshi District Commissioner Mr. Zephania Sumaye, Mmbaga also encouraged water users to pay their water bills to keep CBWSOs operational.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the CBWSOs, the Information Officer for Kirua Kahe (Gravity) CBWSO, Mr. Charles Lyimo, thanked the government for its support, which will significantly improve water access, especially in rural areas. He noted that there are currently eight CBWSOs providing water services to 102 out of 157 villages in Moshi Rural District.