TANGA Region is set to inaugurate 13 major water supply projects valued at 16.7m/- as part of this year’s Uhuru Torch Race which officially arrives in the region today

The symbolic torch, a national tradition promoting development and unity, will tour several districts in Tanga to spotlight critical infrastructure advancements, particularly in water supply and sanitation. At a media briefing yesterday, Upendo Lugongo, Tanga Regional Manager for the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), said the projects are designed to improve access to clean and safe water for approximately 85,017 residents. 

The initiatives specifically target rural and underserved communities facing persistent water shortages. “Each district council will host one project; six of these projects will be officially inaugurated while five will have foundation stones laid,” explained Lugongo.

“The completed projects are expected to serve at least 12 villages and benefit around 28,000 people, which accounts for about one percent of the region’s population.”In Tanga City, Tanga Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (Tanga UWASA) will launch additional initiatives, including the installation of 4,000 prepaid water meters. The new system aims to enhance billing transparency and efficiency, allowing residents to better manage water consumption and expenses.

The efforts align with directives from the government to ensure equitable access to water services and promote affordability for all Tanzanians, particularly those living in marginalized and rural areas.Key projects highlighted in the launch include the Mkwaja Water Project in Pangani District where a foundation stone will be laid as construction nears completion. 

In Handeni District, the Kwedizinga Water Project will be officially launched while Korogwe Urban will inaugurate the Mgombezi Project, a part of a national initiative involving the drilling of 900 wells to expand water access.
Korogwe Rural will also benefit from a well-drilling project targeting remote and underserved communities. Muheza District is scheduled to host a foundation stone ceremony for one of the wells under the same programme.

Lugongo confirmed that some communities in the areas have already started receiving water from newly completed facilities.Other projects set for launch include the Gombero Water Project in Mkinga District and the Funta–Wanga Water Project in Lushoto District. The Freedom Torch will also visit Lushoto Urban water infrastructure rehabilitation project, which is expected to improve water services for more than 23,000 residents.

Additional foundation stone ceremonies will be held in Kwamaligwa, Kilindi District, benefiting seven villages. In Handeni Urban, the Kwamahizi Water Project will provide vital water services to local communities.
Lugongo emphasized that collectively, these projects—whether completed or under construction—will impact roughly three percent of Tanga Region’s population, representing a significant step toward achieving the government’s goal of universal access to clean water by 2030.