PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has announced that construction of Kidunda Dam project in Morogoro Region has reached 28 and is expected to cost 335.8bn/- upon its completion.

Majaliwa made the statement on Wednesday while laying the foundation stone, marking a significant milestone in efforts to address water scarcity in Morogoro and neighbouring regions. 

The dam will have the capacity to store 190 billion litres of water and is designed to tackle ongoing water challenges affecting Dar es Salaam, Coast and Morogoro regions.

“The dam is part of the national plan since the first government, and successive administrations have worked toward its realization. Today, we lay the foundation stone with high hopes for its success,” he said.

The PM also emphasized that the project is a direct reflection of the government’s dedication to improving the lives of Tanzanians, particularly women. "This dam will provide clean and safe water closer to homes, relieving women of the daily burden of fetching water," he added.

Majaliwa urged water authorities to continue educating the public on the importance of conserving water sources. He stressed that such initiatives are crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of government-funded projects.

Furthermore, Majaliwa highlighted the need for close oversight by the Ministry of Water to ensure the contractor meets the project’s deadlines. “We are confident that the contractor will complete this project on time, given their track record of successfully implementing similar projects,” he stated.

He also called on the Ministry of Water to prioritize local communities once the dam is completed. 

“The government has instructed that residents in areas surrounding water projects should be given priority when the project is completed. Minister, please ensure that this is followed through,” he urged.

Water Minister Jumaa Aweso assured the public that the government would closely monitor the project’s progress to ensure its timely completion. 

Mwajuma Waziri, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, outlined the full scope of the project. It includes a 20-megawatt power generation plant, construction of a 101-kilometre electricity transmission line from Kidunda to Chalinze national grid, and a 75-kilometre gravel road from Ngerengere to Kidunda.

Once completed, the project is expected to significantly improve water supply for households, agriculture, and factories. It will ensure a steady flow of water from the Ruvu River, delivering an average of 24,000 litres per second, crucial especially during dry seasons.