In order to carry out initiatives to alleviate the region’s water scarcity, The Rural Water and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA) in the Geita Region has inked five contracts totaling $4.9 billion.
The projects were recently presented during the signing ceremony in Bwanga Ward, Chato District, by Engineer Jabiri Kayilla, the Geita Regional Manager of RUWASA.
He clarified that three of those contracts are for the development of water infrastructure at an estimated cost of 3.9 billion, and two of those contracts are for the procurement of water pipes at a cost of 1 billion.
According to Eng Kayilla, the 493 million and 497 million dollar pipe purchases are for water projects in Nyang’hwale District and the Katoma water project in Geita District, respectively.
The contracts include building the 1.6 billion dollar Bwanga water project in Chato District and the 1.3 billion dollar Nakayenze-Mwamko water project in Bukombe District.
Additionally, a water project of 984 million/-is scheduled to be built in the Nyang’hwale District in the towns of Iseni, Nyangalamila, Kabiga, Nywiga, Kasubuya, and Nyamilonze.
According to Engineer Kayilla, “The five agreements totaling 4.9 billion/-have our confidence that the contractors will work efficiently to make sure water service is available.”
He noted that although the Geita area has been allotted 24 billion this fiscal year to carry out water projects in all five districts, the region has only got 11 billion to date.
When these projects are finished, they should increase rural water service from the present 53 to 74 percent, along with other projects that are anticipated to be signed this fiscal year.
The population and housing census for 2022, according to Geita Regional Commissioner Martin Shigela, revealed a 1.2 million increase from the 1.7 million in the previous year, indicating a rise in the need for water services.
In order to meet targets and accommodate the growing population, he gave instructions to RUWASA and contractors on how to oversee the timely implementation of water projects.
