UDP puts clean water at the centre of campaign pledge

Simiyu. The United Democratic Party (UDP) presidential candidate, Ms Saum Hussein Rashid, has pledged to expand access to clean and safe water for every citizen if elected to form the government in the upcoming General Election.

Ms Rashid unveiled the strategy on Saturday, September 6, 2025, when addressing residents at a campaign rally at Madeco grounds in Maswa Town, Simiyu Region.

She said the shortage of clean and safe water remains a major challenge in the country, particularly in rural areas, forcing many citizens to live in hardship.

“Water services exist, but they are inadequate. When the UDP government is given the mandate, we will prioritise ensuring that every citizen has access to clean and safe water close to their homes. Water is life, without water, there is no development,” he said, pointing out that the Simiyu Region was among the areas most affected by shortages of clean water.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), more than 40 percent of rural households depend on traditional wells and rivers, which often dry up due to drought.

This situation has hampered farming, livestock keeping, and family well-being, forcing women and children to spend many hours looking for water instead of engaging in productive activities.

A resident of Mwamanimba, Ms Suzana Jilingisila, said many families are still forced to walk more than three kilometres in search of water.

“Every day we wake up at dawn, and sometimes the water sources completely dry up. We need a permanent solution. We believe that when politicians make promises, they must put them into action,” she said.

A resident of Ntuzu village, Mr John Mwalimu, raised concerns about the health risks associated with the lack of safe water.

“Many times, we are forced to use unsafe water because there is no piped supply. Water-borne diseases such as stomachaches, diarrhea, and dysentery have become common, especially among children,” he said.

Meanwhile, a farmer from Nyabubinza, Ms Asha Ramadhani, said a reliable water supply nearby would save women time and energy.

“At present, most of our time is lost on the road in search of clean and safe water. We could be using that time for farming and small businesses,” she said.

Mr Rashid said a UDP government would allocate a sufficient budget for the water sector, improve infrastructure, and expand services equitably to rural areas.

“We need real change. A government that cares for its people must ensure that water is available without hassle,” he emphasised.

While UDP has promised to improve access, other opposition parties and the ruling CCM have also been making similar pledges regarding water services.

However, citizens say the problem has persisted for many years without a lasting solution.