Ruwasa resolves 25-year water crisis in Mufindi

Mufindi. After more than 25 years, the residents of Holo Village in Idete Ward, Mufindi District, Iringa Region, no longer have to walk long distances in search of water.

This change comes as a result of the government’s intervention through the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (Ruwasa), which has provided the community with clean and safe water.

Holo village chairman Elioti Lihava announced the news during the inauguration of a borehole water project on Friday, March 21, 2025, as part of the 900 Wells Programme. The event took place in Holo Village during Water Week celebrations, themed: "Conserving Natural Vegetation for Water Security."

Mr Lihava expressed that for over 25 years, the villagers struggled to access clean drinking water; however, the government's intervention has now resolved this long-standing issue.

“Today, we have access to clean and safe water. Previously, villagers had to walk four kilometres to fetch water for schools and community development projects. Now, it is available within our village,” Mr Lihava said.

A resident of Holo, Ms Helen Batista, shared that women had been the most affected, as the long distances required to fetch water often led to marital conflicts.

“We are grateful to the government for this service. Water shortages caused frequent marital disputes, but with water now close to home, life will improve,” she remarked.

Ms Batista added that previously, water sources were shared with livestock, resulting in contamination and frequent disease outbreaks.

Ruwasa Mufindi district manager Happy Mrisho explained that this initiative is part of the 900 Wells Programme, which encompasses three constituencies: Mafinga Town, Mufindi North, and Mufindi South.

“Each of these constituencies received five wells. Today, we are here in Holo, where the project has been completed, benefiting over 800 residents,” Ms Mrisho noted.

She expressed gratitude to the government for funding the project, emphasising that, for the first time, residents can see water flowing from taps in their village. Furthermore, plans are underway to extend water connections to individual homes for better access.

Mufindi District Commissioner, Dr Linda Salekwa, commended stakeholders for supporting government initiatives to expand water access.

“Since Ruwasa could not cover all areas, organisations like Water for Africa have helped by drilling wells in schools to support the communities,” Dr Salekwa added.