Local representatives in Ushetu District, part of Kahama in Shinyanga Region, have expressed frustration over the stalled progress of a significant water infrastructure initiative valued at 44.5 billion shillings. Daily News reported that these concerns emerged after the contractor’s deadline was extended, leading members to question the implementation speed. During the council’s initial quarterly session for the 2026/2027 fiscal period, which spanned July through September, leaders requested that the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, or RUWASA, intensify its monitoring of the works.
Samweli Sharifu, representing Kinamapula Ward, highlighted that several zones have faced chronic water scarcity. He noted that a 2014 survey reportedly found groundwater absent in specific spots, leaving residents eager for a steady supply rather than contractual details. Sharifu remarked that the community was tired of hearing about contracts and wanted actual water. Tabu Katoto, from Igunda Ward, acknowledged the government’s financial commitment but raised questions about distribution timing. She specifically pointed to the installation of a large 100,000-litre reservoir in one part of Igunda village as a factor affecting when other areas would receive service.
Gabriel Kimaro, who heads the committee responsible for health, water, and environment matters, explained that the extended timeline complicated his efforts to explain delays to constituents. He urged RUWASA to bolster its oversight to ensure the revised schedule is met. In response, Engineer Mkama Msilanga, the acting district manager for RUWASA, detailed the agency’s broader operations. He stated that the body is managing four distinct water initiatives in the council, including the primary scheme that sources water from Lake Victoria.
According to Daily News, this major Lake Victoria initiative was originally due in October 2026 but is now projected for April 2028 due to various hurdles. The system will provide service to 11 wards and 54 hamlets. Msilanga added that other active interventions involve new facilities in Mdenya, Kigwa, and Kisomela, alongside repairs to boreholes in Sabasabini and Iboja. He noted that the main project will start by laying pipelines in Ulowa before reaching Igunda and other target zones, urging residents to maintain patience as construction proceeds.