Water tops issues confronting Gairo voters

Gairo. Gairo residents interviewed on the sidelines of the rally by the Ukawa-backed Chadema presidential candidate, Mr Edward Lowassa, recently said water was the most pressing issue that leaders of the next government must give first priority.

According to those who spoke with The Citizen, despite promises from politicians in the past elections many people have continued to experience water shortages.

According to Ms Halima Chizoza, women and children, especially those who are living in remote areas, have been the victims of persistent water woes.

She added that some of the Gairo residents have questioned ‘sweet’ promises made by politicians during election periods.

“During the 2010 General Election, we were promised that water woes will be made history if we voted for the ruling party, but it’s a pity that we continue relying on wells and other unsafe water sources,” said Ms Chizoza.

Another Gairo resident, Mr David Sanja, who works as a shopkeeper, said that it’s a shame that after 50 years of independence the vast majority of Tanzanians, especially those living in rural areas, cannot access clean and safe water.

For her part, Ms Rose Ismail, condemned politicians for making pledges they pretty knew could not be implemented.

However, Ms Ismail expressed her optimism over Mr Lowassa’s ability to address water problems in the district.

“In his campaign rally in Kigoma, he promised people that he would end water woes by using water from Lake Tanganyika just like how he did in the Lake Zone. I am optimistic, he might be the one to get us out of this misery,” she said.

Addressing a campaign rally at Gairo, Mr Lowassa said that among other things, the Chadema 2015-2020 election manifesto intends to improve access to social services, including clean and safe water.

“We will use all resources to provide all social services which include clean and safe water because it will be our responsibility,” he said.