Magufuli orders Water minister to tackle shortage in Makambako Town
What you need to know:
President John Magufuli orders Water and Irrigation minister Makame Mbarawa to remain behind in Makambako, Njombe Region and sort out water problems affecting residents of the town.
Dar es Salaam. President John Magufuli on Thursday, April 11 directed Water and Irrigation minister Makame Mbarawa to work on the Manga Water Project in Makambako, Njombe Region.
The Head of State gave the directive after a resident of Makambako, Mr Albert Mgeyela, carried a banner inscribed with words of complaining of a shortage of water.
Mr Mgeyela claimed that water was only available during visits by top government leaders and that the precious liquid stopped coming out when such leaders left the area.
“We have not been accessing to water since 2009 as water pipes are only fixed when guests come here and when they leave the precious liquid stops flowing.
“Water started flowing last week when you were on your way coming here,” said Mr Mgeyela.
President Magufuli observed that there were issues surrounding water supply services at the town.
“When this project was launched here, the minister for water was from this area. Is it not Rwenge (Gerson Rwenge, Wanging’ombe MP). Was it not you? Weren’t you minister for water then?” Asked President Magufuli.
“I think there is a big problem here. Minister, are you aware of this? I want you also to remain behind so as to work on this problem,” said the President.
Dr Magufuli directed the police to protect the whistleblower so that he would not have any problems with those he exposed.
The Head of State said that out of Sh117 billion for water projects, only Sh17 billion was rightly spent while the remainder was embezzled.
He directed water engineers in the district council to be transferred to the Water ministry so that it could be much easier for them to address the challenges facing the sector.
“It is inconceivable to have a big town like Makambako and then its residents have no access to water. This is why its residents suffer from such diseases as cholera,” said the President.
However, the country’s leader promised the residents of Makambako that he will address the challenges facing them including those of electricity and water.
President Magufuli ended his official visit to Njombe Region and on Friday, April 12 he is expected to start his tour of Iringa Region.
