MWE Correspondent
The Government of Tanzania has taken decisive steps to ensure that the long‑anticipated Kidunda Dam project keeps moving without interruption, after Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba directed authorities to release funds to contractors without delay to prevent slowdowns in construction.
The move was announced Friday during the Prime Minister’s visit to the dam site in Morogoro Region, where he reviewed progress and urged all parties to stay focused on the delivery schedule so that the facility can start serving millions of people when completed.
The Kidunda Dam is a major multipurpose infrastructure initiative designed to store about 190 billion litres of water and provide a more reliable supply for households, industries, and farms in Morogoro, Dar es Salaam and neighbouring regions. The project also includes a 20‑megawatt hydropower plant and supporting infrastructure such as access roads and transmission lines that connect the generated electricity to the national grid.
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Speaking after inspecting the construction site, Dr. Nchemba said the government recognises the urgency of expanding water storage capacity in the face of seasonal shortages and the pressures of rapid urban growth. He emphasised that ensuring timely payment to contractors is essential to avoid disruptions that could push back the project’s completion date.
“The Kidunda Dam is not just another construction site — it is part of our strategy to safeguard water security for the people of this country,” the Prime Minister said. “We need to make sure that all planned work proceeds smoothly and that those entrusted with the job have what they need to deliver on time.”
Once finished, the dam is expected to ease the longstanding water supply challenges faced by Dar es Salaam, where demand often exceeds the capacity of existing sources. The dam will help regulate flows from the Ruvu River, the city’s principal water source, especially during dry spells when river levels fall.
Government officials say the facility will also support agricultural production by enabling more reliable irrigation, and the increased electricity from the hydropower plant will contribute to meeting national energy needs. The project includes the construction of a roughly 75‑kilometre access road from Ngerengere to the dam site and a 101‑kilometre power transmission line to connect electricity generation to the grid.
Local industry leaders have welcomed the government’s push to keep the project on schedule. They note that reliable access to water and power can spur greater productivity and attract more investment to Morogoro and neighbouring areas.
The Kidunda Dam stands as a symbol of Tanzania’s efforts to build sustainable infrastructure that responds to climate variability and supports national development goals. With continued oversight and funding, officials say the project will play a vital role in ensuring that citizens have access to clean, safe water and electricity for generations to come.
