Joseph Isangura
In a swift response to a recent report about critical water shortages in Oltepes Village, Orbomba Ward, Longido District, Tanzania’s Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso, has promised immediate intervention.
The report, originally published by Mwananchi, highlighted how women in the rural village have resorted to using cattle urine for menstrual hygiene due to an acute lack of water. The revelation has ignited concern nationwide, as this struggle underscores the severe impact of water scarcity on basic health and dignity.
Minister Aweso responded publicly on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, through a comment on Mwananchi’s Instagram page, where he addressed the issue directly: “I acknowledge this issue and assure you that, after a thorough investigation, the Ministry of Water will provide a comprehensive explanation.” His response has been seen as a commitment to urgently address the hardships faced by residents of Oltepes Village and other remote communities with limited access to clean water.
Oltepes Village, located in Longido District, is home to approximately 4,000 residents who face severe challenges accessing water, particularly during dry seasons when local sources deplete. Women and girls in the village endure an especially difficult situation, as the scarcity affects menstrual hygiene and forces them to rely on unhygienic methods. Without regular access to sanitary products or clean water, some women reportedly resort to using cow butter or even cattle urine, a practice that presents numerous health risks and underscores the harsh reality of period poverty in this region.
Minister Aweso’s pledge to investigate and address the issue offers a ray of hope for Oltepes Village. Following his comments, the Ministry of Water is expected to deploy a team to the area to assess conditions and devise sustainable solutions. Although the timeline for these actions remains uncertain, the Minister’s statement suggests that the government is committed to prioritizing water access and sanitation needs.
Rights organizations and activists have joined the call for action, emphasizing that access to water and menstrual hygiene products is a fundamental right. “This situation should be a wake-up call,” commented a representative from a local women’s rights organization. “It’s time to address these inequalities and ensure that women in rural Tanzania have what they need to manage their health with dignity.”
In the broader context, the issue in Oltepes Village is a part of a nationwide water scarcity crisis that affects many rural Tanzanian communities.
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