ENHANCED oversight and efficient use of public funds to address ongoing water access challenges across the country, along with timely disbursement of funds to support the swift completion of water projects were running themes in MPs’ contributions to debate before approving 1.01trn/- estimates for the Water ministry.

Debating the ministry's revenue and expenditure estimates for fiscal 2025/26 yesterday, lawmakers stressed the need to accelerate implementation of water projects. Innocent Bilakwate (Kyerwa), expressed concern that many contractors, having taken loans from banks, now rely on government payments to avoid bankruptcy and complete the projects.

“For instance, one contractor working on the Kikukuru project, valued at over 5bn/- , has completed 75 percent of the work but is still owed more than 3bn/- .

“Another contractor, Amri Karim, is owed 200m/-. Without payments, these contractors cannot proceed—work has stalled and residents are still waiting for water,” he said.

Delays provide political ammunition during election campaigns, with some candidates claiming the projects are fictitious, he stated, appealing to the minister to intervene, as “people in Kyerwa are counting on these projects.”

Boniventura Kiswaga (Magu), cited the Bukumbi project in Misungwi District, which is nearing completion and expected to benefit residents of Nyagunge ward. While the contractor has already completed work pegged at 5bn/- , the ministry had only disbursed 1bn/-, he stated.

“The tank and pipelines are already in place—only the water source remains to be developed,” urging the Treasury to release funds to the Water ministry so contractors can be paid.

Aida Khenani (Nkasi North, Chadema) applauded the ministry's efforts but criticised its failure to deliver a long-awaited water project intended to draw water from Lake Tanganyika to the district, after American donors withdrew.

“I’m prepared to sacrifice everything if it means the people of Nkasi will finally get water. This is the final session of this Parliament. Will they ever get water?” she asked passionately.

Ali Kasinge (Kilwa South) called on the government to push forward with its commitment to drill five boreholes in each constituency to ensure widespread access to clean water.

Hassan Zidadu (Tunduru North) thanked Minister Jumaa Aweso for addressing long standing water issues in his constituency, with a 500m/- allocation by the ministry having significantly improved access.

Katani Katani (Tandahimba) said President Samia Suluhu Hassan will do well to reappoint the minister to the same portfolio should he be re-elected as MP for Pangani. That would allow him to complete the remaining work and build on recent achievements, he suggested.

Abdallah Chaurembo (Mbagala) highlighted the importance of the Kidunda water project, expected to significantly boost water supply in Dar es Salaam. “There are still areas such as Dovya with severe shortages. These areas house a significant portion of the city's population,” he said, urging the ministry to explore solutions,

“There’s already a well at Mabomba Nane. With the installation of a pump, we could supply water to Kirungule, Simba and other nearby communities,” he said, recommending drilling additional boreholes as some existing ones yield saline water. It is not fit for consumption, he emphasised.

Janejelly Ntate (Special Seats), praised the president’s decision to raise the water sector budget, hailing it as a clear demonstration of the commitment to easing the burden on women.

“In Dar es Salaam, water is the number one political issue. We should expand the Kisarawe II boreholes to supply water to high-need areas like Kariakoo and Mbagala. As women, we’re not asking for fertiliser subsidies—we are asking for water. Votes are won with water,” she remarked.

In his closing remarks, the minister thanked MPs for their contributions and pledged to provide written responses to all MPs who raised concerns, in order to maintain transparency and proper documentation.

He also commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritising the water sector, stating: “I’ve had the honour of serving as an MP for 10 years, and no sector has been more heavily criticised than water. I can confidently say, President Samia is the solution to lifting the water burden from our mothers,” she added.