JPM pledges Sh70 billion for water project in Karagwe

Dar es Salaam.  President John Magufuli on Tuesday, November 7, promised to spend Sh70 billion to implement a water project in Karagwe District, Kagera Region.

The Head of State said this while addressing the residents of Karagwe during an event to launch a 59.1 kilometers of road connecting Karagwe-Bugene. The road was constructed at a cost Sh81.597 billion.

President Magufuli said the government has included Karagwe in a list of 17 towns which would benefit from the $500 million (equivalent to Sh1.1 trillion) obtained as a loan from India.

 “We are carrying out a feasibility study and a detailed design of the project. The government is fully committed to fulfilling promises made during the 2015 General Election campaigns,” he said.

The President ordered regional and district authorities to be wise when deciding to remove people living or carrying out activities close to water sources. He called for wisdom in the implementation of the environmental management act of 2004.

“Enforcing the environmental management act of 2004 without wisdom will leave people homeless and without places to carry out development activities, which is not acceptable” he warned.

President Magufuli ordered authorities to ensure a section of the law requiring protection of 60 meters above ocean and lake level is well translated because abuse of the law would subject people in trouble and suffering instead of development. 

“That is why wisdom is required when dealing with this issue. The 200 families should be relocated from the area if they interfere with water sources. But, they should be left alone if they are carrying out development activities without interfering with water sources,” he said, adding.

Speaking on the Sh81.597 billion road project, President Magufuli said the government was preparing to carry out design and mobilize funds to ensure the road is connected to Ngara District.

He thanked the ministry of Works, Transport and Communications and the Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) for saving Sh3.5 billion during the implementation of the project.

“You made a good decision to take supervision roles after terminating contract with the supervisor, instead of spending Sh4 billion, you have now spent Sh500 million, serving Sh3.5 billion,” he said.

Works, Transport and Communications Minister Prof Makame Mbarawa said Karagwe-Bugene road said Sh386.573 was spent for design, Sh76.418 billion for construction, Sh1.971 billion for supervision and Sh2.821 billion for compensation.

“On top of connecting Karagwe with three other districts in the region, the network connects with Uganda through Mutukura, Rwanda through Rusumo and Burundi through Kabero borders therefore opening economic development in the area,” he said.

Yesterday, President Magufuli started a four day visit in Kagera Region. On November 9, the Head of State will cross the border to Uganda where he is expected to join his Ugandan counterpart, President Yoweri Museveni in laying the second foundation stone of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline.