Mbarawa in the soup over unfinished water projects

Dodoma. As Members of Parliament from across the political divide yesterday faulted the government for its inefficiency in implementation of water projects and failure to start new ones, Water minister Makame Mbarawa put the blame on financial constraints.

However, some lawmakers who threatened not to endorse the docket’s next financial year budget proposal of Sh634.2 billion until its development expenditure was increased, said the minister’s excuse did not hold water.

Prof Mbarawa said of the proposed next fiscal year’s budget, some Sh610.5 billion was meant for financing development projects, with the rest being for recurrent budget.

He said of the Sh673.2 billion set aside for development projects in the current financial year, only 51 per cent of the sum has been released as of April, this year.

“Delay in disbursement of the allocated fund has contributed to our failure to complete some projects on time, and implement new ones,” he said.

In a swift rejoinder, some legislators said if the government was to increase funds for development projects, it should broaden its revenue base as well as doubling the water levy charged on fuel from the current Sh50 per litre.

The government is set to complete the ongoing 482 water projects in various councils, and start construction of the new ones in rural areas in the next financial year, according to the budget speech.

Prof Mbarawa said he hopes to walk the talk on the implementation of the projects rest on the timely disbursement of money as per approved budget.

Agriculture, Livestock and Water parliamentary committee chairman Mahmoud Mgimwa opined that the government should reconsider its pace in disbursement of funds allocated for water development projects.

“Delayed fund release hits water projects. Doubling the water levy charged on fuel from the current Sh50 per litre, would improve implementation of development projects,” noted Mr Mgimwa.

This was echoed by Mtama lawmaker Nape Nnauye (CCM), who said for three consecutive years, the government has been turning down the proposal to boost the Water Fund.

“This is contempt of Parliament. If the government cannot work on our recommendations, what are we here for. Why does the government consider itself as having the final say over the matter,” asked Mr Nnauye.

He wondered if the government was able to approve a Sh100 levy deducted from every litre of fuel to boost fund dedicated to Rural Electrification efforts, what made it difficult to apply the same on water levy charged on fuel.

“Does this mean electricity is more important than water, which touches lives of people from all walks of life?” he asked, threatening: “We will turn down the budget proposal until the government increases fund for water projects.”

Speaking on behalf of Water shadow minister Hamidu Bobali, (Mchinga, CUF), Special Seats lawmaker Devota Minja (Chadema) called on the government to improve business environment, to attract the private sector to finance water projects through the Public Private Partnership (PPP).

“The government drives to turn Tanzania into an industrialised country come next year and middle income status in 2025 will not be attained if the challenge of water availability for domestic, agriculture and industries use is not addressed,” warned Ms Minja.