What President Samia told residents as Sh13bn water project transforms access

Mwanza. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on residents of Lamadi to uphold peace and stability to enable continued delivery of public services and ensure the country’s journey towards economic self-reliance remains on track.

She made the remarks on Thursday, June 19, 2025, while inaugurating the Sh12.8 billion Lamadi Water Project in Busega District, Simiyu Region, which has increased water access from 23 to 97 percent in the area.

“We have done our part by bringing key social services here. Your responsibility now is to maintain peace, work hard, and increase productivity,” said President Samia, reminding residents that national progress depends on stability.

Her appeal comes months after the August 2024 unrest in Lamadi, during which protests over missing children escalated into violence, causing property damage and the death of a student.

Highlighting improvements in education, healthcare, electrification, and water supply, the Head of State urged residents to use the services provided to grow their livelihoods.

“Our country is moving forward. You’ve seen the infrastructure and service delivery improvements. Now we must sustain this by working diligently and preserving peace,” she said, adding that major projects such as the new cross-lake bridge—Africa’s sixth largest—were made possible by national stability and prudent fiscal policies.

She also encouraged residents to turn out in large numbers to support the ruling party, CCM, in the upcoming general election.

Simiyu Regional Commissioner Kenani Kihongosi cautioned residents against incitement and illegal protests, urging them to prioritise unity and development.

Water project benefits 85,000 residents

Water Minister Jumaa Aweso said the project was implemented under the Satellite Towns Water Programme and includes infrastructure to supply clean water to 85,000 people in Lamadi, Misungwi, and Magu.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Ms Mwajuma Waziri, said the Lamadi component of the project, valued at Sh12.8 billion, includes a water intake system from Lake Victoria, a treatment facility with a capacity of 400 million litres per day, and a 400,000-litre elevated tank serving the Lutubiga Ward.

Sh440bn climate resilience initiative launched

President Samia also laid the foundation stone for a Sh440 billion climate change adaptation project that will be implemented in phases. The first phase will cover Busega, Bariadi and Itilima, with later phases extending to Maswa and other areas.

The programme includes water and sanitation services, irrigation infrastructure, environmental conservation, climate-smart agriculture, and institutional capacity building. Plans include construction of 212 demonstration farms, rehabilitation of 14 irrigation schemes, and construction of three new dams in Nyashimo, Bariadi, and Itilima.