President Samia Suluhu has inaugurated the long-awaited water project which has been delayed for approximately two decades. The Same-Mwanga-Korogwe Water Supply Project, constructed at $154 million, is expected to provide clean water to more than 300,000 residents in the Kilimanjaro region.
The project sources its water from the Nyumba Ya Mungu Dam faced several setbacks. These setbacks included both funding shortfalls and bureaucratic hurdles.
Project Factsheet
Significance:
- To provide a reliable and safe water supply to the semi-arid lowlands in the western part of the Pare Mountains, covering the districts of Same, Mwanga, and Korogwe in Tanzania.
- To improve the living conditions of the population by reducing waterborne diseases and supporting agricultural activities.
Scope:
- The project aims to serve a large population across numerous villages and small towns.
- It involves the construction of water intake facilities, distribution networks, pumping stations, water treatment plants, and reservoirs.
Key Components:
- Water uptake from sources like the Nyumba ya Mungu Dam.
- Extensive water distribution network (approximately 400 km).
- Pumping stations and a water treatment plant.
- Construction of multiple reservoirs.
- Provision of water storage tanks.
Phases:
- The project is being implemented in phases due to its large scale and cost.
- There are records of phase 1 and phase 2 of the project.
Key Points:
- It has faced challenges, including contract terminations.
- The project is supported by organizations such as the OPEC Fund for International Development.
- The Same – Mwanga Water Supply and Sanitation Authority is 100% owned by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Also read: Tanzania to Implement Kibamba- Kisarawe Water Project
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony on Sunday March 9, 2025, President Hassan recounted the delays on the project. Additionally, the president emphasized the commitment of her administration to finish the projects that had stalled. This will ensure that all citizens in the country are able to access essential services.
Same-Mwanga-Korogwe Water Supply Project Key Timelines
According to Samia Suluhu, this project’s feasibility study was conducted in the year 2006. However, the construction of the project kicked off in the year 2014. Furthermore, initial water dropped in the year 2024.
Additionally, the president pointed out her administration’s efforts made to make sure that the project was revived. She highlighted her administration had to secure some concessional loans in order to facilitate the completion of the project.
The first phase of this water project has greatly increased the overall water supply capacity to an impressive six million litres a day. This project is expected to reach 38 villages in the districts of Same and Mwanga. Furthermore, it is expected to improve the access to water for thousands of households in the region.
Also read: Tanzania: Mwanga-Same-Korogwe mega water project contract terminated
