Nanyumbu, Mtwara: The Vice President has laid the foundation stone for a water project in Nanyumbu, valued at 38.4 billion shillings. The project is expected to benefit over 81,000 citizens and alleviate the hardships associated with sourcing water—including the risk of crocodile attacks along the Ruvuma River.
Speaking at the event in Masuguru Village, Nanyumbu District—during a visit to the Mtwara Region—the Vice President stated that the project is part of the efforts by the government, led by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, to bring clean and safe water closer to the citizens’ homes.
He noted that the residents of Masuguru and surrounding areas have historically relied on river water—a situation that has led to fatalities from crocodile attacks, while also exposing women and girls to the risk of gender-based violence while out searching for water.
He explained that the government took action after the area’s representative, Yahya Mhata, brought these challenges to the attention of President Samia.
“The government’s role is to listen to the cries of the citizens and seek solutions that bring about real change in their lives,” He said.
The Vice President added that the implementation of this project demonstrates the government’s commitment to delivering significant investments in essential services to rural areas. She stated that the residents, who had been expecting wells to be dug for them, now have infrastructure that brings water close to their homes.
“Today, that project is right here in your village—you can see it with your own eyes, rather than just hearing about it,” she said, promising to inform President Samia about the project’s success and the joy of the citizens benefiting from the service.
The Vice President commended the Ministry of Water for the efficiency and quality demonstrated in the project’s implementation.
He urged the residents to take care of the project and protect the environment surrounding the Ruvuma River, noting that the project was designed to meet water needs for 40 years, and its sustainability depends on the protection of that water source.
The Minister of Water, Hon. Jumaa Aweso, stated that the project exemplifies the Government’s commitment to ensuring that essential services reach all citizens, regardless of where they live.
He praised the collaboration among officials from the Ministry of Water, RUWASA, technical experts, local government leaders, and the citizens in making the project a success. He also thanked the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) for facilitating the electricity supply required to operate the project’s infrastructure. Presenting a report on the project, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Engineer Mwajuma Waziri, stated that implementation has reached 98.45 percent, and service delivery has commenced through water kiosks and household connections.
He noted that the project is part of a water initiative covering 28 towns across the country. The construction contract was signed on June 6, 2022, with implementation beginning on April 23, 2023.
The project entails water abstraction from the Ruvuma River at Masuguru village, a water treatment plant with a capacity of five million liters, two storage tanks with a combined capacity of 1.1 million liters, a 65.3-kilometer main pipeline, a 35-kilometer distribution network, and 20 water collection points.
Engineer Mwajuma stated that the project was handed over to the operator on October 23, 2026. It is already serving the areas of Masuguru, Nachura, Lidede, Mwambani, Sengenya, Mangaka, Kilimanihewa, Mkwajuni, and Ngalinje, while finishing works remain underway. The project is being implemented through a partnership between the Government of Tanzania and India.
Issued by
The Office of the Vice President
November 12, 2026
Nanyumbu – Mtwara
